NEW DELHI 09 SEPTEMBER 2026:-
In a statement issued here, Sibtain Shah said the construction has been carried out in complete disregard of rules, environmental norms and the livelihood interests of local farmers. He alleged that the road has been built in such a manner that it has severely disrupted the natural drainage and water flow of the area, resulting in extensive damage to adjoining agricultural land and standing paddy crops.
This is not development; this is destruction of farmers’ hard-earned livelihood Shah stated. He further alleged that the illegal construction appears to have been undertaken at the behest of certain vested interests, with the active connivance or wilful negligence of the concerned officials of the R&B Department, including the Executive Engineer, R&B Sub-Division, Ganderbal, and others responsible for oversight.
Congress leader demanded the suspension of the said officers who have destroyed the property of farmers and their livelihoods. In addition Shah demanded:• Immediate stoppage of all further construction activity at the site;• Prompt removal of the illegally constructed road;• Thorough inquiry into the role of the Executive Engineer and other officials who permitted or failed to prevent this unauthorised work;• Immediate restoration of the damaged agricultural land and natural watercourse; and• Strict action against all those found responsible for causing irreparable loss to the paddy crops of local farmers.
He urged the higher authorities of the Roads & Buildings Department and the district administration to treat the matter with utmost urgency, conduct a spot inspection without delay, and ensure that the interests of the farming community are protected. Shah warned that any further delay or attempt to shield the guilty would be strongly opposed and would be taken up at every level.
The Congress party stands firmly with the affected farmers of Ganderbal. We will not allow the destruction of agricultural land in the name of unauthorised construction carried out at anyone’s behest he added.
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