Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 28: High Court has sought affidavit from Government regarding finalization of Master Plan proposed for eco-fragile tourist resort of Gulmarg.
The Division Bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice B S Walia in a Public Interest Litigation seeking protection and preservation of Gulmarg, directed Chief Secretary to file affidavit about the steps taken so for in drafting the Master Plan for the tourist resort.
Court sought the affidavit from CS as per the previous directions where by authorities were directed to file compliance about the finalization of Master Plan of Gulmarg.
While taking into consideration its previous direction and response filed by the Government towards the finalization of Master Plan of Gulmarg the DB directed the CS to file the affidavit personally before the court.
The direction for finalization of Master Plan came after perusal of compliance report filed by Chief Executive Officer; Gulmarg Development Authority which reflects that the final presentation of the Master Plan was made before the Chief Minister in the month of June last year and approval of the same by the Cabinet is awaited.
Advocate General of the State on previous date of hearing had stated before the bench that the Draft Master Plan will be placed before the Cabinet for its approval and on such statement of Advocate General, court had asked for filing compliance report.
Serious note was also taken by the Court on the issue of expiry of leases to the lessees who have been allotted the State land on lease and is still in their possession even after expiry of lease documents and expected the Government would put effective mechanism in place to deal with such cases. “Court expects the Government to take decision in the matter with its seriousness”, reads the earlier order.
Court has been reiterating that any sort of construction taking place or any encroachment taking place or any other activity of which a note has been taken earlier by this Court from time to time, revolving around the subject is reported to this Court with utmost dispatch without waiting for any specific direction in this behalf.
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