Srinagar, Mar 09: In a brazen violation of rules, a patch of Khacharai land in Khonmoh area of Srinagar outskirts is being allegedly grabbed and used for the purpose of constructing industries and factories by the government.

The locals alleged that Khacharai land of nearly 250 kanals are being grabbed by the administration and is being handed over to the Small Industries Development Corporations (SIDCO).

Sources said that on Tuesday the officials in the revenue department reached the spot to handover the patch of Khacharai land to the SIDCO following which the locals raised hue and cry and opposed the move tooth and nail.

Public Welfare Trust President, Zahoor Ahmad Shah said that over 200 kanals of Khacharai land, located in Khonmoh area is being “grabbed” by the authorities.

He said that the land is being used for grazing purposes and the Lieutenant Governor during the recent public meeting with the locals of Khonmoh has assured that the land won’t be given to any of the departments.

General Secretary of the Trust, Parvez Ahmad saidthat the authorities have already grabbed 1100 kanals of land in the area where factories and other buildings were raised, “but this time they won’t be allowed to grab the Khacharai land.”

“In case the land will be grabbed, there will be no place available for the cattle,” he said.

Sources within the revenue department said that a year ago, they were asked to share details of vacant land of Khacharai. “We shared the details of the land as per the directions received. After elapsing nearly four months, the cabinet order was issued in which it was stated that the patch of land will be given to the SIDCO for coming up with industries and other related purposes,” they said.

A top official also confirmed and said that the decision to handover the Khacharai land is against the government rules and also against the court verdict.

“After locals expressed resentment today, the administration has decided to hold a meeting tomorrow with the locals to come up with a solution in this regard,” he said. kno