Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Feb 12: The High Court today directed the authorities for preparing road map for rehabilitation of Dal dwellers as also relocation of Houseboats which are registered with the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority.
Having a look on the fresh report filed by the Committee of Experts, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Tashi Rabstan while hearing PIL on restoration and conservation of Dal lake, directed the authorities to prepare a road map for proper rehabilitation of Dal dwellers and relocation of those Houseboats which are registered with the LAWDA.
Court directed the authorities to develop the shifting place of Dal dwellers on modern lines as huge townships has been built so that it should equipped with all facilities.
The Division Bench after perusal of the report of Committee of Experts, said, it reflects the tremendous efforts being put in by the Committee of Experts and its laudable suggestions.
Court, however, expressed its serious concern for not filing any Action Taken Report with regard to the previous Court directions or the suggestions made by the Committee of Experts before the Court.
Court has also sought a latest status with regard to functioning of the Sewage Treatment Plants of the lake and sought a report about the management of solid waste by the Hotels, Restaurants and Shops which are located around the lake. Court in this connection directed the LAWDA and SMC to ensure the solid waste be segregated at source.
Court has dispensed with the earlier Court Commissioners comprising a retired Sessions judge and a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police for the time being and instead appointed Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar as Nodal Officer between the State, Committee of Experts and Amicus Curie to ensure implementation of directions passed by the court.
DB also directed all the authorities including PCB, Police, SMC, LAWDA to ensure providing of cooperation and assistance as and when required from the Committee of Experts. Court has also sought status on finalization of Solid Waste Management bylaws.
“We direct all the Authorities and Departments to ensure prompt cooperation and action in response to any suggestion, direction made by the Committee of Experts or request from the LAWDA with regard to any aspect relating to subject matter of consideration by this Court or the Committee of Experts”, DB directed.
Vice Chairman LAWDA Prasanna Ramaswamy apprised the Court as to what steps have been taken with regard to earlier report of Committee of Experts.
Court has also been informed that the COE is going conduct another survey of the lake on March 16.
Court further directed the Revenue authorities to take immediate action for identifying the land for rehabilitation of the owners of the floating gardens. “The decision in this regard shall be communicated to the Vice Chairman LAWDA as well as Committee of Experts within two weeks. This is essential to enable the allotments and commencement of farming at the relocation sites by the persons who have to be moved”, Court said.
Court also directed the Committee of Experts to ensure that the authorities place a comprehensive scheme and plan for rehabilitation of all the persons who have to be rehabilitated before it. Court also directed for installation of dust bins around the lake.
Apart from the LAWDA, court said, the State Pollution Control Board; the Revenue Authorities; the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture; the Department of Tourism are required to take action upon the recommendations of the Committee of Experts and the orders passed by this Court.
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