Civil Society Hails DSP LCMA Abdul Aziz for Crackdown on Illegal Construction, Urges Action on Lingering Violations
By: – Bilal Bhat
Srinagar 26/04/2025 (AW) : Amid growing concerns over encroachments around the Dal Lake and adjoining ecologically sensitive zones, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), LCMA, Abdul Aziz, continues to receive widespread praise from civil society and locals for his uncompromising stance against illegal construction.
Known for his no-nonsense approach and relentless crackdown, DSP Aziz is being hailed as a deterrent force whose leadership has brought down unauthorized construction activities in the region by nearly 80%, according to locals.
However, sporadic reports suggest that despite the intensified crackdown, illegal construction persists quietly in several pockets, particularly during night hours. Areas like Karapura Pain, Durgjan, Nai Sadak, Dalgate, Nigeen, Brain, Hazratbal, Nishat, and Nowpora have witnessed discreet movement of construction material and unauthorized development, often under the cover of darkness.
Civil society members and residents, while acknowledging the massive shift in enforcement under DSP Aziz, have also raised concerns over elements within the enforcement teams that may require deeper monitoring and departmental streamlining.
Rameez Durrani, a civil society activist from Hazratbal, said,
“DSP Abdul Aziz has brought a much-needed sense of accountability. For the first time, we feel someone is standing up for Dal Lake and its surroundings. But some within the department are still compromising the mission. They must be held accountable.”
Irfan Mir, a resident of Nai Sadak, echoed the sentiment:
“We fully support DSP Aziz. His presence alone has discouraged most violators. But we urge LCMA to strengthen night patrolling because that’s when illegal activity continues quietly.”
In a positive move, DSP Aziz has deputed Muneer Haji as the new enforcement supervisor for Dalgate and adjoining areas. Haji is widely known for his honesty, grassroots knowledge, and firm approach—qualities the public believes will bolster ground enforcement.
Danish Nabi Bhat, a prominent environmental activist, remarked,
Abdul Aziz and officers like Muneer Haji represent the future of clean, lawful urban development around Dal. But the system still needs a deep clean from within. Any employee enabling illegal construction is sabotaging the very mission the DSP is leading.”
Residents have also appealed to the LCMA Chairman and Divisional Administration to strengthen Aziz’s team, upgrade surveillance tools, and create a hotline for public reporting of construction violations—especially at night.
While the battle against illegal construction is far from over, the strong, visible leadership of DSP Abdul Aziz and his renewed field strategy signal a serious commitment to protecting Srinagar’s heritage and environment.
Locals now look to the administration to back the honest few and weed out the corrupt—so that enforcement becomes a system, not a one-man crusade.
(AW)
