Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 26: The High Court today directed the Government to inform it about the steps taken for rehabilitation and relocation of Dal dwellers as also action taken against those who are attempting to return to lake after rehabilitating them.
The direction followed after the Vice Chairman Lakes and Water Ways Development Authority (LAWDA) informed the Court that the issue regarding rehabilitation and relocation of Dal dwellers is being urgently looked into by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and the same be dealt with by him earnestly.
As regards to action against the persons who return after being rehabilitated, VC LAWDA informed the court that strict actions has been taken against all such persons who are attempting to return after being relocated and in various cases demolition drives have been conducted.
So far as the Tourism policy is concerned, Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Puneet Gupta directed the Tourism Department to comply the directions contained in order dated 07.10.2020 and submit the action taken report on formation of tourism policy in J&K before the next date of hearing.
The VC LAWDA, submitted before the bench that it is because of the proactive intervention by the Committee of Experts (CoEs) that tremendous work has been achieved in the efforts for conservation of the Dal lake. “The attainment of various accomplishments, as per him is as a result of the comprehensive recommendations which have been effected continually”, the DB said.
Government as also the LAWDA has meantime sought some time to file the action taken reports regarding publicity material (use of polythene) which was required to be posted in the media and displayed on signages in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as per the directions.
The process for giving wide publicity with regard to ban on use of polythene in and around Dal lake was to be undertaken by the Tourism Department, Floriculture Department, Forest and Environment Department as well as by the Jammu and Kashmir State Pollution Control Board jointly.
Court directed all these Departments to set down the timelines within which the action shall be taken and the same shall be placed before it on affidavit.
About the laying of Sewer line, VC LAWDA apprised the Court the steps taken with regard to laying of Sewer Line and setting up of pipeline, to keep the sewerage from being discharged into the Nigeen lake.
On installation of Bio-Digesters on the Houseboats Court has been informed that the supplier of Bio-digesters stand identified by the DRDO, which is undertaking the manufacturing process of the Bio-digesters and to have it supplied shortly by February, 2021.
Court with regard setting up of public toilets around the lake has been informed that five locations have been identified for construction of public toilets and one has already been constructed near Nishat Garden which is already in use and installation of rest of the toilets will be commissioned shortly at all the locations.
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