Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Nov 1: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today issued notice to the Government in a complaint against Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) for allowing large scale illegal constructions in and around Dal lake.
The division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice M H Attar, in a complaint which has been treated as application, directed Vice Chairman Latief-u-Zaman Deva to file his response to the allegations made in the application.
“We have read out the application to the learned Counsel Shabir Naik(AAG) and Latief-u-Zaman Deva, VC, LAWDA. Copy of application along with order be furnished to them so that the response may be filed after examining the authenticity of allegations”, reads the order.
The complaint submitted by some persons, terming themselves as well wishers of Dal Lake, alleges that the demolition department of LAWDA is allowing the construction of illegal structures and houses in the prohibited as well as non-prohibited areas around lake.
The applicants mentions in the application that Heewan Resorts is constructing 50 rooms illegally, Jamal Resorts. “The other structures that are being constructed illegally are Sara Cottage, Nishat View Hotel, Eagle Resorts, Hotel Grand Nishat, Princess Beauty Parlour, Paradise Hotel, Noora Palace, Asad Resorts, J&K Water Resources Authority Office, Walisons Resort and La-Rouge Cafe situated at Brane and Nishat”, reads the application.
Applicants allege that Rs 25, 000 to 50,000 are being demanded for non-prohibited and Rs 50,000 to 1, 00, 000 for prohibited areas by the authorities and this involves the high officials including police authorities.
“It is further submitted in the application that for this reason one Deputy Superintendent of Police has been prematurely transferred from the area. Demanding that assets of these officials may be checked by the court which would be beyond their income”, reads the application.
The applicants are praying that Chief Justice may carry out surprise visit to the world famous Dal Lake that is dying day by day.
The court is already seized of the matter and has passed a bunch of orders directing the authorities not to allow anybody raising any kind of construction in prohibited areas of famous Dal Lake.
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