Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 31: High Court today directed the authorities not to allow any heavy machinery to the area where the embankment on river Jhelum has recently collapsed and directed for immediate repair of the damaged portion.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey while hearing the PIL on protection and preservation of river Jhelum, directed the authorities not to allow movement of any heavy machinery to the said area.
Amicus to the PIL advocate Nadeem Qadri submitted before the court that the crumbling of embankment near Lasjan has occurred due to unabated extraction of sand. However, the State counsel appearing on behalf of I&FC Department resisted the submission made by amicus and said that the incident has happened due to seepage in water pipe.
“First of all whatever be the reason for collapse of the embankment the I&FC should immediately repair the same and report be produced to the court with photographic evidence”, DB directed, adding no movement of heavy machinery be allowed to the area except the machinery used for the purpose of repairing the embankment.
Court has also been informed that inquiry has been ordered. Court directed the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar to present the report as soon as the inquiry is completed preferably by next date.
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