HC asks govt to take final call on expired leases at Gulmarg
‘Inform court of your decision within 6 weeks’
Srinagar, May 28: The J&K High Court Tuesday directed the government to take a final call on the matter related to expired leases to individuals and business houses at the ski resort Gulmarg and place its decision before the court within six weeks.
The direction followed a compliance report by the State government which said that the matter was considered by the concerned committee headed by Advisor to Governor J&K on 3rd of April 2019. “The matter is pending with the Law department for its opinion,” said the report.
Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rashid Ali Dar while hearing the PIL on “destruction” of the Gulmarg ski resort accordingly directed that the matter related to expired leases to individuals and business houses be finally considered and decision be placed before the court within six weeks.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) assured the court that critical steps with regard to installation of dustbins, as directed earlier by the court, is underway and submitted that the report in this regard will be presented to the court on next date of hearing.
Meanwhile counsel for the petitioner submitted that the route from Srinagar to Gulmarg being frequently visited by the tourists deserves to be kept clean. The bench as a consequence directed the CEO GDA to inform that Municipal Committee Magam, Kunzer and Tanmarg for upkeep and cleanliness of the entire route.
The court further directed the Director, Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, to submit a report in this regard and also inform the court about the steps being taken for disposal of plastic waste and garbage collection in the area.
Rashid Paul is Associate Editor at Kashmir Images.
He can be reached at [email protected]
