Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 11: The High Court has sought network report between Jhelum, streams, lakes and wet lands from the authorities and directed the exercise be taken immediately.
Court said that directions to establish the network between Jhelum, streams, lake and wetland was passed on previous hearing and Commissioner/ Secretary I&FC was required to submit the plan of action but the same has not happened. Advocate General informed the court that the exercise is under process and the report be submitted before next date of hearing.
Court has also directed for follow up action from the authorities with regard to decisions taken in the minutes of meeting
on 16.8.2017 held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister. The minutes have been placed with the compliance report of Commissioner /Secretary to the Government, Director Disaster Management & Relief, Rehabilitation & Re-construction Department.
“We have examined the minutes. Several decisions have been taken in the meeting. Further follow up action be taken by the concerned authorities. The status report be filed by next date of hearing”, Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey directed.
Court has also sought the report with regard to updating of J&K Disaster Management policy which as per information has been notified. “Consequent thereupon we are informed that a committee has been constituted for the said purpose and has been requested to submit the report within 15 days. “Status report be filed before the next date of hearing”, read the order
With regard to constitution of State water resources regulatory authority under water resources (regulation & management) Act 2013, court has been informed that proposal is ready and is awaiting for next Cabinet meeting, which has not taken place till the last date of hearing. Court has been informed that the meeting is stated to be held in near future.
With regard to demarcation of National Parks, Wetland, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Conservation reserves, court said it needs immediate attention and sought demarcation report by next date. Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir, Arshid Yehya Naqash who was present in the court indicated demarcation of wildlife areas and court has taken the same on record. Court has also been informed that the map indicating National Parks, Wetlands, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Conservation reserves across the Kashmir region are ready. Court directed these be made available on official websites.
Court had also made Commissioner/Secretary Forest as Nodal Officer so that demarcation process be carried out and had directed him to ensure that the exercise be completed by next date. However no report on his behalf has been filed.
“We have also directed that there should be no construction on these areas. However, no status with regard to existing construction and on going construction has been submitted before this court. That may be submitted by next date”, DB directed.
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