IIOJK admin criticized for transferring officer who flagged illegal constructions
Srinagar: The Omar Abdullah-led administration in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has come under fire for allegedly prioritizing vested interests over environmental conservation.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this follows the abrupt transfer of Masarrat Hashim, CEO of the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), just days after he highlighted illegal constructions and environmental violations in the Pahalgam health resort, Islamabad district.
Hashim, who was transferred to the Labour Department, had reported nearly 300 illegal structures, including hotels and lodges, built in blatant violation of environmental and building regulations. In a letter to the administration, he warned that unchecked construction could cause irreparable damage to Pahalgam’s ecosystem and undo decades of conservation efforts.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Allegations have surfaced that the transfer was orchestrated by influential hoteliers and construction lobbies, some with links to the ruling National Conference (NC). Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed Parra, accused the administration of succumbing to pressure from vested interests.
“The National Conference has embraced the core ideology of the BJP. Under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, the J&K administration appears committed to advancing the BJP’s agenda of environmental destruction and land grabbing,” Parra said.
Hashim, known for his strict enforcement of environmental norms during his previous tenure as PDA CEO, was reinstated in December 2023, raising hopes for tighter regulation in the eco-fragile Lidder Valley. However, his unceremonious removal has reignited fears of unchecked environmental vandalism and political interference.
Civil society groups and activists have condemned the transfer and urged the administration to halt illegal constructions. “Turning Pahalgam into a concrete jungle will destroy its pristine beauty, harm the environment, and jeopardize tourism, the backbone of the region,” warned Abdul Qayoom Wani, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF).
The controversy has surfaced at a time when both the BJP-led Indian government has announced a series of infrastructure projects including a railway line and a four lane road to the Amarnath cave in Pahalgam, which are feared to play havoc on its environment.
