22/06/2024
Road Demolished in Poonch: Raises Several Questions on accountability: FIR awaited.
Poonch, June 21, 2024 : In a move that has stirred the local community, the Municipal Council of Poonch recently halted an unauthorized road demolition, sparking significant debate and raising critical questions about governance, accountability, and community initiatives.
On June 14, 2024, the Municipal Council of Poonch took swift action against two individuals, Devkar and Mukhtar Hussain, residents of Ward No. 1 Moh. Qazi Mohra, Poonch, for dismantling government property, including a municipal lane and a protection wall without proper authorization. The demolition, conducted using a JCB machine during the night of June 10-11, resulted in the destruction of a municipal lane and a protection wall, with damages estimated at approximately Rs. 20.00 lakhs. The Municipal Council promptly intervened, stopping the illegal activity and lodging a formal complaint with the Police Station Poonch.
In the aftermath, some local residents provided clarifications, stating that the road was dismantled to widen it for the benefit of visitors to the Ziyarat of Pir Baba Pehlwan Shah. They emphasized that the project is funded entirely by local contributions, with no financial assistance from the government.
While the intent to improve infrastructure for religious visitors is commendable, several critical questions arise:
1. Did the individuals obtain written permission from the Municipal Council or any other relevant authority before proceeding with the demolition?
2. Has there been an official cost estimate of the damage caused by the unauthorized activity?
3. Some parts of the road reportedly fall on Auqaf land. Did the individuals secure permission from the Auqaf for this project?
The CEO of the Municipal Council has formally requested police intervention and lodged a First Information Report (FIR). However, the public is eager to know the current status of this FIR and what actions have been taken against the violators. Further, there are questions regarding the total cost of the original road, the financial impact of the damage, and who will oversee and fund the road-widening project moving forward.
The CEO of the Municipal Council must provide a clear update on the status of the complaint and outline future steps to address the incident. Ensuring that all actions are transparent and in accordance with the law is crucial for maintaining public trust.
The unauthorized road demolition in Poonch serves as a poignant reminder of the need for clear governance and accountability in managing public projects. As the investigation progresses, it is essential for the local authorities to keep the community informed and take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The public's demand for transparency and proper governance must be met to ensure that public property is protected and community projects are conducted lawfully.
