Militancy-ravaged Srinagar getting a facelift

22 December 2001
The Times of India
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR: Having been a mute witness to the all round destruction caused by the decade-long militancy, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is witnessing a facelift in an effort to restore its pristine beauty.Over the past one month, the municipal machinery of Srinagar has been activated and a demolition drive launched against illegal structures.A special drive has also been launched to remove squatters from footpaths.More than 60 illegal structures and encroachments have been demolished or removed during the last one month, said Municipal Administrator Aslam Laigaroo, who initiated action immediately after taking charge in November.Besides, more than six shops and a factory have also been sealed, he said.Asserting that the campaign had been initiated to give a clear message to encroachers, particularly those belonging to affluent sections of the society, Laigaroo said ''no discrimination will be made during the campaign''.He said the ''Municipal Control Room'' has also been established to receive and monitor complaints from public.