Landfilling Allowed for Days, Demolition Follows Occupation at Brari Nambal

Srinagar, Sep 12: The latest demolition drive at Brari Nambal has raised concerns among local residents over the alleged landfilling and encroachment at the sensitive waterbody area. Questions have also been raised about why action was reportedly taken only after the filled portion was occupied by car dealers.

According to local accounts, landfilling activity continued at the site for around 15 days before the filled-up area was allegedly occupied by car dealers. Authorities demolished the structure or occupation on Saturday, once again drawing attention to the monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in place to protect Brari Nambal from encroachment and unauthorized land alteration.

The developments have raised particular concern among residents because an office of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority is located in the vicinity. Locals questioned how filling activity could allegedly continue for several days in an area that falls under the monitoring of agencies responsible for protecting and conserving water bodies.

Residents said the issue goes beyond Saturday's demolition and concerns the circumstances that allegedly allowed the landfilling to take place. They questioned whether preventive action should have been taken when filling material was first being dumped, rather than after the area had allegedly been occupied and used for commercial purposes.

Located in the heart of Srinagar, Brari Nambal has faced repeated concerns related to encroachment, dumping and unauthorized alterations to its surroundings. Residents said the latest incident highlights the broader challenge of protecting the city's remaining wetlands and water channels from gradual encroachment.

The episode has also renewed concerns over the alleged commercial use of land created through filling. Locals said unchecked landfilling can create opportunities for occupation and make subsequent enforcement and restoration more difficult.

Residents have sought a clear explanation from the concerned authorities regarding the reported 15-day period during which the landfilling allegedly continued. They have also sought details on whether any permission was granted for the activity, which agency was responsible for monitoring the site and whether any action was taken when the filling reportedly began.

Questions have also been raised over whether Saturday's demolition will be followed by measures to restore the affected portion and prevent further dumping, filling and encroachment at the site.

Residents said the protection of water bodies cannot depend solely on demolition drives after unauthorized occupation has taken place. They called for stronger surveillance and timely preventive action against dumping, landfilling and construction before such activities cause lasting changes to the waterbody.

They also demanded that the authorities identify those responsible for the alleged landfilling and establish whether any permissions or official clearances were obtained for the activity.