Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 26: The Division Bench of High Court today directed the authorities to file their latest status report on rehabilitation of stone quarrying holders.
The Bench of Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice M K Hanjura was hearing a public interest titled Sofi Arif Maqbool versus State seeking direction upon respondent state for stopping of quarrying which is being carried within demarcated forest area.
The affidavit filed by the State before the Court revealed that a meeting of the committee constituted was held on April this year for rehabilitation of the affected persons and Court has been also apprised about the next meeting held in the same month just after 10 days of first meeting.
Till date no fresh status report has been filed as to what steps and decisions have been taken by the authorities for rehabilitation of those whose stone quarry units were closed. State counsel has sought weeks time for the same which the court granted and directed listing of the matter after two weeks for further consideration.
Earlier Court had expressed its dissatisfaction on various reports of Deputy Commissioners of the State regarding illegal stone quarrying in demarcated forest and had directed for filing of better status report by next date.
Government was also directed to prepare a policy for rehabilitation of those stone quarry holders whose quarries have been closed but till date Court has not been informed whether any policy has been formulated or not.
Financial Commissioner Industries and Commerce Department had stated that the finalization of Rules was at final stage and the matter was before Chief Minister and also certain decisions under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary were also taken.
It may be mentioned that a committee of the officers headed by Financial Commissioner (I&C) and comprising Commissioner/ Secretary Revenue and Secretary Forest Department as members was constituted to study the issue regarding the rehabilitation of the affected persons, if any, on the basis of inputs to be furnished by Geology and Mining Department.
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