Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Dec 10: Jammu and Kashmir High Court today directed both Centre and State Government to provide the shelter sheds and monthly rentals to those families whose houses were completely damaged in the recent floods.
The division bench of the High Court comprising, Justice MH Attar and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey, directed in case the construction of shelter sheds and handing over the possession to the affected families is not done within one week then Chief Engineer, R&B and three Deputy Commissioners shall remain personally present before the court.
“In case the construction of shelter sheds is not completed during the course of the week and possession handed over to the affected families, then the CE, R&B, Kashmir shall remain personally present before the court on next date” directed the bench. It also directed:
“Same direction shall be applicable to the Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag, Pulwama and Shopian as well”.
After perusal of the status reports filed by various Deputy Commissioners in pursuance of the earlier court direction, court pulled up the Government for not implementing the court directions passed from time to time in letter and spirit.
Pulling up the authorities who are duty bound to provide interim measures to the flood affected families, the division bench observed that it appears the executing agencies are not showing concern in completing the construction of the shelter sheds at the earliest.
“The winter season has already set in, in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, more particularly in Kashmir Valley. The mercury during the night hours, dips below zero level and in case shelter is not provided within week’s time, they would immensely suffer because of chill and may even cost their lives, as such concerned authorities should have to exhibit utmost urgency in completing these sheds”, observed the bench.
With regard to providing of rentals to the victims the Court directed that time is extended for complying the court directions passed from time to time, enabling them (authorities) to pay rent to all families within one week.
“We, at the request of Advocate General and Union Counsel, extend time for complying with the directions issued by the court from time to time and especially in order dated 01-12-14, so as to enable them to pay rent to all the affected families during the course of this week and file status report about the same”, said the bench.
The court directed that the other assistance to the affected families which is required to be given by both Centre and State, shall be provided to the affected families during the course of this week and asked for filing of compliance report in this regard also.
Court directed the counsel representing Union of India to submit the complete information before the Court about payment of money by next date which is December 16.
“Mr. Makroo, ASGI submitted that before the next date complete information will be given to the court about the payment of money to the affected families”, court directed.
Court after going through some of the affidavits filed by the Deputy Commissioners said that these affidavits show some NGOs have not only constructed these shelter sheds but also handed over the possession to the victim families.
Referring the status reports of various DCs court observed that it appears only paper work. Nothing comes forth from these reports as to how many people are to be accommodated in the shelter sheds and at what Stage construction of these sheds is.
“We record our anguish in the manner these DCs have responded to the sufferings of the people of their districts, as their reports show that they are not serious in providing the shelter sheds in the shortest possible time to the affected families”, observed the court.
Regarding the issue, providing of timber to the affected families court said progress is not satisfactory. AG apprised the court that nine timber outlets have been opened in Srinagar some timber has been given to some of the affected families.
“This work in this behalf requires to be expedited so ensure that the affected families receive this assistance from SFC during the course of the week”, said the court.
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