Govt damaging Pahalgam’s fragile ecosystem, shielding corrupt: Opposition

Anantnag, Jan 29: The opposition on Wednesday criticised the government for abruptly transferring the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), Masrat Hashim, barely a month after his appointment.

Hashim’s removal came just days after he raised concerns over illegal constructions within PDA’s jurisdiction. Greater Kashmir had earlier reported that Hashim had formally urged the government to intervene and halt unauthorized constructions.

However, merely two days after the report, he was reassigned Deputy Labor Commissioner (Central), sparking accusations of political interference and corruption. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned Hashim’s transfer. PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Para took to X (formerly Twitter) alleging that the government is promoting corruption over environmental conservation.

“Just a day after the CEO of Pahalgam identified 300 illegal constructions violating the green belt, he was abruptly removed. The unchecked destruction is pushing Pahalgam’s fragile ecosystem to the brink. Locals can’t rebuild homes, yet large-scale illegal construction thrives. Political interference and corruption are destroying one of Kashmir’s most precious ecological treasures,” Para said.

He added that the government must reverse the CEO’s transfer and take action against those endangering Pahalgam’s future. Protect the environment, not the corrupt.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti also accused the ruling National Conference government of silencing those exposing corruption and harming Pahalgam’s environment. “By summarily dismissing the PDA Chief for exposing illegal constructions in ecologically fragile Pahalgam, it is clear that the National Conference government is condoning corruption and punishing those who dare to shine a light on it. Under whose behest was he shunted? What dirty nexus is at play here?” Iltija wrote in her post on X.

Before his transfer, Hashim had issued notices to over 300 individuals constructing hotels, guest houses, and lodges without valid permits, warning that such activities could severely damage Pahalgam’s ecology. Several others were also served notices for expanding their commercial establishments in violation of the Building Operation Control Authority (BOCA) norms.

This is not the first time Masrat Hashim has been removed from the PDA. He was earlier posted as CEO in 2020 but was swiftly transferred then as well.

A few years ago, the High Court had directed the administration to halt illegal constructions in Anantnag district while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) aimed at preserving Pahalgam and its surroundings. However, opposition leaders and civil society argue that such orders are being ignored, allowing rampant violations to go unchecked.