Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 4: High Court today directed the Chief Secretary to explore the possibility of resolving the issue of renovation in High Altitude Warfare School build by the Indian Army in Sonmarg.
The Sonamarg Development Authority has taken an objection to the construction of High Altitude Warfare School by the Indian Army.
Counsel representing the Army informed the court that extremely sensitive High Altitude Warfare Training is being imparted to the officers not only of Indian Army but also of the Armies from other countries.
The school is stated to be extremely specialized and important for effective duties which are performed by the Armies in the High Altitude Warfares including Siachen. Court has been informed by that the Indian Army has already constructed two storeyed building in which internal work is to be carried out and the same is being objected to by the Sonamarg Development Authority.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rashid Ali Dar in this back drop directed the matter be placed before the Chief Secretary of the State, who may examine the contentions of both the sides and explore the possibility of resolution of the contentions being pressed before the court.
It is noted that any kind of construction is banned in the Sonmarg tourist resort by the court. “It shall be open for the Chief Secretary to join any other authority as may be deemed necessary. We direct the respective parties to ensure necessary co-operation for the resolution of the matter”, reads the order.
In the meantime, without prejudice to the contentions of the SDA, court permitted the respondent Army to undertake the necessary interior work of the High Altitude Warfare School. Chief Executive Officer, Sonamarg Development Authority and Chief Town Planner,
Kashmir, who were present in the court have been directed to inspect the construction which has been undertaken by the respondents-Army at the High Altitude Warfare School and suggest the steps which can be taken so that objections, if any, with regard to any violation of the Master Plan can be also removed.
“These suggestions would also be placed before the Chief Secretary of the State. It is directed that the respondents shall co-operate with the inspections which are to be taken. The outcome of the consideration in terms of this order be placed before us before the next date of hearing”, court further added.
The instant petition raises an issue where two public interests are in conflict, one, by the Indian Army pressing the requirement of the need of High Altitude Warfare School in the imperative interest of the defence of the country and the Sonamarg Development Authority is opposing the structure putting the environmental concerns.
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