Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 13: As there seems to be no progress in implementing the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Plan, the High Court today directed the Commissioner Secretary Housing to remain present before the court with latest update about the action plan of SWM.
Hearing PIL on conservation and protection of Sonmarg tourist resort, the Division Bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice Tashi Rabstan said the Chief Executive Officer Sonmarg Development Authority was directed to inform the court about the implementation of SWM bylaws but the report reveals that only notification has been issued and there is no mention about the implementation of these bylaws.
Court before proceeding against the CEO SDA sought explanation by filing a personal affidavit from him indicating therein as to why the bylaws have not been implemented so far.
Court on the issue of Master Plan for the resort, observed since October 2018, when direction was given by the court for revised Master Plan, comprehensive Environment Impact Assessment and SWM for Sonmarg tourist resort, no progress has been shown about the action plan of SWM.
Chief Town Planner (CTP) in his status report stated that sanction was granted for proposal of tendering process of the revised MP and the tender notice was also issued and uploaded on the website but due to non availability of internet the date of tendering was extended.
Disagreeing with the statement of the CTP, court directed him to remain present along with proposal of MP for Sonmarg as it was on October 1 the CEO and CTP were asked to inform the court about the same as also about the re-delineation of local areas of Sonmarg. “The same also be reported to the court”, Court said.
On application of SDA seeking permission for plying the eco-friendly battery operated vehicles in and around Thajwas wildlife sanctuary, Court has already granted the permission to SDA to ply such 5 vehicles initially around the wild life sanctuary.
Meantime, SMC has submitted details of expenditure of funds on awareness programmes with regard to SWM. Court directed the Municipal counsel to filed latest report on next date indicating therein as to what programmes have been undertaken in this regard.
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