Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 5: Observing that safeguarding of Dal lake from encroachments is collective responsibility of all, the High Court today directed the LAWDA to send a signal for public at large that any kind of encroachment in and around the lake will not be tolerated.
The Division Bench of Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur hearing public interest on preservation of Dal lake said that everyone has to contribute a bit so that the glory of the lake is not tarnished any further.
“The officers/officials of the LAWDA under the leadership of present VC shall create an atmosphere so as to flash a strong signal that the authorities, officials of LAWDA will not hesitate in razing all illegal encroachments in any form”, Justice Mir and Justice Thakur directed.
VC LAWDA, who was present in the Court, submitted that a lot is being done by the LAWDA but difficulties are being faced. “That may be true but structures are illegally raised, portions of water bodies are filled and when same reaches to a particular level, thereafter initiation of action is questionable”, Court said to the submissions of VC LAWDA.
Court during the proceedings observed that public perception, which may be right or wrong, is that there is nexus between LAWDA authorities and encroachers and illegal structures are allowed to raise in and around the lake.
“Such impressions can be dispelled only when authorities, officials of the LAWDA at every level, collectively and individually, exhibit commitment to save the Dal lake so as to make everyone believe that they will not tolerate any encroachment or raising of illegal structures”, court added.
Court said that stern action by the authorities (LAWDA) against the encroachers with promptitude will be hailed by dedicated activities and action with commitment, they (LAWDA) shall have to dispel impression among the masses that they are not party to the encroachments.
Court, in addition of observations and directions, directed creation of a mobile flying squad for effective control of encroachments, stopping of constructional material within the peripheries of Dal so that the same is stopped at its inception which the court observed “to nip the evil in the bud”.
Court has directed for evolving of strong action plan for restoration of the lake to its actual position in a systematic manner and said the stern action against the encroachers by LAWDA and supported by all administrative agencies including police shall be appreciated.
Court has expressed with great pain that in case strong commitment is not exhibited and stern action is not taken against the encroachers, then our posterity may lose to see the world famous water body Dal Lake. “We are sure and confident, court said, that same will not be allowed to happen”.
Court on constitution of Monitoring Committee at a highest level, said it is a step in right direction. “We hope and trust that the said committee meets at regular intervals and prompt decision are taken to advance the object for which it has been constituted i.e Save the Dal and restore its pristine glory”, read the order.
Court has been apprised that Monitoring Committee is monitoring the progress of various works and new works to be executed for the preservation and improvement of Dal and vision document prepared has been e-mailed to all the member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for their comments/views which is awaited.
In the meantime, monitoring committee has approved the up-gradation of one STP and has also agreed for establishment of common STP with futuristic capacity.
Court has been informed that proposal for accord of administrative approval has been submitted to the Government. Court directed that latest status report in this regard be filed by next date of hearing.
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