Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 22: As there seems to be no progress in forming Solid Waste Management (SWP) Plan, High Court today directed the Commissioner Secretary Housing to remain present before the court with latest update about the action plan of SWM.
Hearing PIL on conservation and protection of Sonmarg Tourist resort, the Division Bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice Sanjeev Kumar directed the Commissioner Secretary Housing to remain present on next before the court and with updated status about the action plan of SWM.
Court has been informed that the draft action plan of SWM is pending before Commissioner Housing for finalization. Court has been informed that the Housing Department has to put the same before public domain for suggestion and objections before it is finalized.
Court said since October 2018, when direction was given by the court for revised Master Plan, comprehensive Environment Impact Assessment and SWM for Sonmarg tourist resort, no progress has been shown about the action plan of SWM and time and again time is sought for the same.
“Ensure Court orders are implemented in letter and spirit and remain present before the court next date”, court directed Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department.
With regard to comprehensive Environment Impact Assessment, court has been informed that the same is completed and CTP Kashmir was asked to take steps for revision of existing Master Plan for Sonamarg in view of observation of the court.
CEO SDA who was present in the court submitted that much progress has been made by the Sonmarg Development Authority about comprehensive Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) so that the MP for Sonmarg is finalized.
He informed that court that MP is under active consideration before administrative department and is being examined by the CTP. Court directed the Commissioner Secretary Tourism Department to take effective steps in view of EIA and ensure for submitting the same to CTP for finalization of MP.
On application of SDA seeking permission for plying the eco-friendly battery operated vehicles in and around Thajwas Wildlife sanctuary, court granted the permission to SDA to ply such 5 vehicles initially around the Wildlife sanctuary.
Meantime, SMC has submitted details of expenditure of funds on awareness programmes with regard to SWM. Court directed the Municipal counsel to file latest report on next date indicating therein as to what programmes have been undertaken in this regard.
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