Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom on Tuesday ordered withholding of salaries of three Zonal Enforcement Officers over lapses in their duties, while directing an intensified crackdown on illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions across the city.
The action was taken during a comprehensive review meeting of the SMC Enforcement Wing, chaired by the Commissioner to assess enforcement activities and action taken against violations of municipal regulations.
According to an official statement, the Commissioner expressed concern over lapses in enforcement and made it clear that officials failing to prevent or act against illegal constructions and encroachments would face disciplinary action.
He directed officers to intensify field inspections, strengthen supervision and ensure prompt action against unauthorised constructions, encroachments and violations of approved building permissions.
The Commissioner also directed the concerned Joint Commissioners to undertake a comprehensive verification of all ongoing and newly raised constructions in their respective jurisdictions to ascertain whether they conform to sanctioned building permissions and municipal regulations.
A definite timeline has been prescribed for completing the verification exercise, with officers instructed to submit compliance reports within the stipulated period.
To strengthen monitoring and enforcement, Dr Qayoom ordered the constitution of dedicated Enforcement Cells under Joint Commissioners and the formation of Flying Squads for quick response and verification of field reports.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He also directed the development of an online platform to enable citizens to report encroachments, illegal constructions and other municipal violations.
Stressing that public spaces must remain free from encroachments, the Commissioner said no individual would be allowed to undertake construction in violation of approved permissions.
He emphasised that enforcement must be uniform and impartial, irrespective of the individuals or interests involved.
Taking a serious view of accountability within the Enforcement Wing, Dr Qayoom directed supervisory officers to maintain constant vigilance in their respective jurisdictions and warned that negligence, dereliction of duty or deliberate inaction would invite strict disciplinary measures.
The Commissioner said enforcement should go beyond routine inspections and translate into sustained field-level action, effective coordination among zonal and ward-level officials and measurable results.
He reiterated that protecting public spaces, preventing illegal constructions and ensuring compliance with municipal laws must remain key priorities of the Corporation.
The meeting was attended by Joint Commissioners overseeing the East, South, West and North zones, the Assistant Legal Remembrancer, Chief Enforcement Officer, Zonal Enforcement Officers and Ward Officers. (KNS)