Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 21: High Court today directed the Director Floriculture to submit fresh list of parks and gardens which are in public use in Srinagar and measures adopted for their maintenance.
“We find that the gardens and parks cannot be classified as public parks/gardens therefore a fresh list be submitted which include only those parks/gardens which are in public use”, Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey directed the Director Flori-culture Kashmir after perusal of the list provided to court.
Court was hearing a suo moto cognizance taken to a letter addressed by SHRC Chairman Bilal Nazki (Retd Justice) to Chief Justice of the State with regard to encroachments and maintaining of parks in Srinagar city.
Director Floriculture today along with his status report submitted the list of 124 gardens and parks maintained and developed by the department which include those where either Government buildings are erected or have been used for any other purpose other than parks or gardens. “CTP to indicate as to whether the gardens/parks existing in Srinagar are adequate in terms of norms for any plan of city”, Court said.
Court also felt that that Managing Director J&K Housing Board should also be added as respondents as also the Chief Town Planner Kashmir to the PIL. These two officials have been added and notices have been issued and accepted in open court on behalf of them by Government advocate.
Court also directed the Managing Director of Housing Board to file his status report indicating therein the parks/gardens which are maintained by the board.
Court also directed the Director Floriculture to file a response indicating measures adopted for maintenance and development of parks in Srinagar city. “In case respondent not files any response, he shall be present before the court on next date of hearing”, DB said.
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