Srinagar: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has ordered the concerned authorities to brief it about the rules, regulations and the validity of the Master Plan concerning the tourist resort Gulmarg within five weeks.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta hearing a PIL on the ecological “ravage” caused to the famed ski and tourist resort of Kashmir directed the authorities “to file brief written synopsis reflecting all the rules, regulations and also disclose the validity of the Master Plan on or before the next date of hearing”.
The bench posted the matter on 26th of the next month.
The High Court has already ordered that no further construction shall be allowed to be raised on the land falling within the scope of the subject of the PIL.
The bench has directed the Chairman PCB to “ensure that all the hotels in Gulmarg have proper sewerage and drainage facilities” and that the Chief Conservator of Forests shall ensure that no tree is cut down in Gulmarg.
The court had previously passed a slew of directions in the PIL and subsequently a high level meeting chaired by J&K Chief Secretary was held. The meeting discussed various steps taken for preserving the magnificence of Gulmarg.
It was also decided to initiate a fresh process for formulation of a Master Plan for the resort.
A number of committees were also constituted, including the one to consider extension and renewal of leases in respect of live and expired lease cases.
A direction has already been issued to the Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, to submit details regarding illegal constructions and violations.
The High Court recently directed the Building Operation Controlling Authority (BOCA), Gulmarg Development Authority, to “expeditiously” pass appropriate orders regarding repair and construction of new structures by the Indian Army in the resort.
The direction was passed while disposing of an application filed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The applicant sought permission to commence existing and fresh constructions relating to operations and training of its forces.
It sought the relief including providing accommodation for own and foreign officers and troops along with the allied infrastructure at Gulmarg in phases, asking the court to “keep in mind the strategic significance and security of the nation”.
The BOCA, the court directed, shall accordingly do the needful for grant of permission to the Indian Army “in order to enable them to make necessary repair/fresh construction in accordance with the norms, as applicable.”
