Srinagar, Nov 3: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom has ordered an intensified citywide crackdown on illegal encroachments, unauthorised constructions and violations of building regulations, warning that officials failing to act against such violations will also face strict action.

The directions were issued during a review meeting of the SMC Enforcement Wing, where the Commissioner assessed enforcement activities and reviewed action taken against municipal violations across Srinagar.
Dr Qayoom directed officers to intensify field inspections, strengthen supervision and ensure prompt action against encroachments and constructions raised in violation of approved building permissions. He stressed that public complaints must not remain unattended and that enforcement action should be uniform and impartial.
The Commissioner instructed the concerned Joint Commissioners to undertake comprehensive verification of all ongoing and newly raised constructions within their respective jurisdictions to ascertain compliance with approved building plans and municipal regulations. A definite timeline has been fixed for completing the exercise, with officers directed to submit compliance reports within the stipulated period.
To strengthen enforcement, he ordered the establishment of dedicated enforcement cells under the Joint Commissioners and the formation of flying squads for rapid response and verification of field reports. He also directed the development of an online platform through which the public can report encroachments, unauthorised constructions and other municipal violations.
Taking a stern view of accountability, Dr Qayoom cautioned supervisory and field-level officers against negligence, dereliction of duty or deliberate failure to act against violations. He made it clear that officials would be held directly responsible for enforcement lapses in their respective jurisdictions.
As part of the action, the Commissioner ordered withholding the salaries of three Zonal Enforcement Officers over alleged lapses in discharging their assigned responsibilities.
He emphasised that public spaces must be protected from encroachments and no individual or establishment would be allowed to violate approved construction permissions. The Enforcement Wing was directed to move beyond routine inspections and ensure visible, sustained action on the ground.
The meeting was attended by Joint Commissioners, Assistant Legal Remembrancer, Chief Enforcement Officer, Zonal Enforcement Officers and Ward Officers, among other officials.
The Commissioner stressed that safeguarding public spaces, enforcing building regulations and ensuring compliance with municipal laws must remain key priorities of the Corporation.