Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 4: Jammu and Kashmir High Court today observed that the river Jhelum has to be protected at any cost and sought report from the authorities about removal of encroachments.
The Division Bench of High Court comprising Justice MH Attar and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey, sought personal appearance of Deputy Commissioner Bandipora on next date of hearing if he fails to file the compliance report about preservation of water bodies.
“Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora has not filed compliance report. Compliance report be filed by next date, failing which he shall remain present in person before the court on next date”, directed the HC.
While hearing a Public Interest Litigation on preservation, protection and removing of encroachment along river Jhelum, High Court after perusal of record sought immediate personal appearance of Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and Chief Engineer I&FC Department on the day of hearing when court found that there is no compliance report on record from them.
Court directed State counsel to get these two officials present in the court as to why they have not filed the report in compliance to earlier direction.
DC Anantnag, who was present in court, submitted before the Bench that he has not received the earlier court order and stated that he will file the report on next date of hearing.
During the proceedings of the matter court enquired from the State counsel if the encroachments have been removed and encroached area retrieved. “What steps have you taken for protecting the water bodies so that it could not be encroached again and again”, court asked the State counsel.
However, there was no satisfactory reply from the State counsel and court observed: “Have you thought out how to protect area retrieved from encroachments”. Court observed that the river Jhelum has to be restored to its original position and preserved at any cost.
“Matter is being considered continuously. Further directions will be issued on next date. List in the week commencing from May 25”, directed the Bench.
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