No restrictions on construction around Dal, Nigeen, Khushalsar lakes: J&K Govt

Srinagar, Oct 28: The Jammu and Kashmir government has denied that residents living around Mir Behri Dal Lake, Khushalsar, Gilsar and Nigeen lakes face severe restrictions in constructing residential houses or lack basic facilities.

In a written reply to a question by MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the Housing and Urban Development Department said that all permissions in these areas are governed by the Srinagar Master Plan 2035 and court directions.

The government, however, acknowledged that it is "aware about the Right to Life as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and recognised globally under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," along with related Supreme Court rulings.

On whether residents would be permitted to construct eco-friendly homes, the department said that all building permissions in the area are regulated and approved only as per the Master Plan Srinagar-2035 and directions issued by the High Court—(KNO)