Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 8: High Court has sought the personal appearance of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sonmarg Development Authority (SDA) to explain his position for preservation of meadows and glaciers while taking developmental works in and around the tourist resort.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi sought personal appearance of the CEO SDA in pursuance to the order dated 05.08.2022 whereby the CEO was required to explore the possibility of using wooden fence, hedges and plantation of trees to demarcate the various meadows and the boundaries of the various properties situated in Sonmarg resort.
In this connection, an affidavit has been filed by the CEO bringing on record the master plan for the year 2005 to 2015 and alleging that the master plan for the year 2025 to 2040 is under process of being framed by the Chief Town Planner.
Dealing with an application for construction of an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and spa, Court has been informed that the matter is being referred to the BOCA for building permission. SDA counsel has sought two weeks’ time to inform the court as to the exact position of the application of seeking building permission. “Let him have the necessary instructions in the matter and file a fresh affidavit especially regarding the aforesaid application”, the DB directed.
These directions have been passed by the bench while dealing with Public Interest Litigation with regard to preservation and protection of pristine glory of the resort whereby court had sought an affidavit indicating there-in the major development works completed by the Authority.
The SDA was directed to explore the possibility of using wooden fences, hedges and plantation of trees which are all environmentally friendly to demarcate the various Meadows and the boundaries of the various properties instead of using steel and iron barricades and fencing in and around the resort.
Apart from developmental works the authorities have also to come up with the demarcation of River Sindh and removal of encroachments and all other issues relating to the river viz illegal construction on the banks of the river Sindh.
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