Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 26: Jammu and Kashmir High Court today warned stern action against all Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division and sought compliance of directions by or before June 6 with regard to cutting of Russian Poplar trees.
Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir while proceeding further in to the matter which according to court’s previous order is of general public importance observed that the reports submitted by DCs in terms of directions of last week is totally unsatisfactory and warned for their personal appearance before the court in case further slackness is exhibited by any of the DCs.
“Russian Poplar Trees have created enormous difficulty and day by day are proving to be health hazard. The reports submitted by the Deputy Commissioners being totally unsatisfactory, therefore all the Deputy Commissioners of the Kashmir Division shall file fresh compliance report by or before next date” Justice Mir said.
All the DCs have been directed to indicate in their fresh compliance reports clearly as to how they have proceeded in the matter for complying with the order with effect from 1st of March 2016 till 25th May 2016 and from 25th May 2016 till next date as shall be fixed in the petition for filing latest status report.
“Further slackness if any exhibited by any of the Deputy Commissioner warrant personal appearance of such Deputy Commissioners or their subordinate officers to whom they have entrusted the job, then they shall have to explain their position”, reads the order.
Court while going through some of the reports filed by DCs in compliance of earlier directions observed that it is found the reports are not satisfactory.
“It is rightly highlighted by the counsel for the petitioner that for last six months small numbers of Russian Poplar Trees have been cut here and there simply to show compliance of the order of this Court”, court said, adding “In fact, there has not been a proper drive so as to ensure implementation of the order in its letter and spirit. Cleverly, the Deputy Commissioners perhaps have submitted the reports simply to show the compliance of the Court order which in fact is not in keeping with the object and spirit of the order”.
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