HC bans constructions in Gulmarg

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Feb 17: The High Court today directed that no further construction be allowed within the earmarked area of Gulmarg tourist resort and hotels in the resort to have proper sewerage and drainage facilities.
Observing that the Public Interest Litigation on the protection and preservation of Gulmarg is being monitored by the Court to ensure that the glory of the resort remains preserved, the Division Bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice V C Koul directed that no further construction shall be allowed to be raised on the land falling within the scope of PIL.
Court directed the Chairman of Pollution Control Board to ensure that all the hotels in the resort have proper sewerage and drainage facilities. “The Chief Conservator of Forests shall ensure that no tree is cut down in Gulmarg”, the DB directed.
Court has appreciated that the valuable time of Registrar Judicial of the court has been spent by her for spot verification of the construction, violations and deviation and said as and when a need arises for any spot inspection or services of Court Commissioner vis-à-vis the resort, the Commissioner will be appointed according to requirement and nature of inspection.
Court also added that slew of directions have been passed by the court from time to time aiming at preserving the glory of resort and in consequence a high level meeting, chaired by CS was held in which threadbare discussion had taken place and various steps were taken for preserving the glory of resort.
It was decided to take fresh process for formulation of Master Plan. A number of committees, court said, were constituted including one to consider extension and renewal of leases in respect of live lease case and expired lease cases,
A direction in this connection was also issued to CEO, GDA to submit details regarding illegal constructions and violations. Court also asked the assisting counsel in the matter to file any application, suggestion or response with regard to protection of resort that shall be filed through Amicus Curiae.