Satellite imagery, strict punishment against violators to save
environment: Naeem Akhtar
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 28: Calling for
whole hearted efforts to save unique geographical formations in Kashmir,
Minister for public works Naeem Akhtar today said that government will take
stringent steps against people involved in cutting of soil and encroachments
around roads in the state.
The Minister directed the officials to take strict action against people
involved in illegal activities of damaging environment and geography
particularly around the roads.
The expressed his anguish at the destruction of Karewas at many places
around the roads. He said that safety of these land forms will be responsibility
of the concerned engineers and employees. “Karewas are our treasures. We owe
responsibility of their safekeeping for our future generations,” the
Minister said. “Karewas have millions of years of history buried in them and scientists
are yet completely decipher them. Their study will give us new insights into
palaeontology and ancient civilisation that thrived in Kashmir. But if they are
destroyed we will lose this knowledge forever.”
The Minister said that Karewas are in reality world heritage gifted to
Kashmir and we have to safeguard them at any cost. The Minister warned the
people not to lay hands on the precious karewas. He said that department will
be using latest satellite imagery to determine if people have encroached or
destroyed the landscape around the roads. He directed the officials to use
decades old historical satellite images available online and compare it with
the present status to determine if anybody has violated the law at any location
in the state. He asked the officials to especially concentrate their efforts in
Budgam and other karewa rich areas.
The Minister called on the Chief Engineer R&B and other officials to
strictly implement the J&K Ribbon Development Act which prohibits
encroachments and empowers the department to demolish such structures.
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