Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has removed Masarat Hashim as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), weeks after he raised concerns over illegal constructions in the tourist resort.
Hashim, who was appointed CEO just last month, has now been posted as Deputy Labour Commissioner (Central), JK.
His transfer came soon after he issued notices to nearly 300 persons for unauthorised construction of hotels, lodges, and houses, many in violation of environmental norms.
A show cause notice issued on January 16 to a violator stated that illegal construction had been carried out without permission, violating the JK Development Act 1970, the JK Control of Building Operations Act 1988, and the Master Plan Pahalgam-2032. The notice warned of sealing or demolition if no response was given within 48 hours.
This is not the first time an officer acting against illegal construction has been removed. In 2023, former PDA CEO Syed Sajad Qadri was transferred to Ladakh after flagging violations at an under-construction hotel.
The High Court had previously directed authorities to halt all illegal construction in Anantnag district, citing concerns over Pahalgam’s preservation.
An official claimed that influential politicians and the hotel lobby were behind Hashim’s transfer.
