Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 27: In order to ensure that various directions concerning world famous Dal lake conservation don’t go unheeded, Division Bench of High Court comprising Chief Justice M M Kumar and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar today directed the State to retain the services of present Vice-Chairman, Lakes And Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), who is superannuating on March 31, 2014, for a period of six months.
The direction was issued in the much-publicized PIL concerning world famous Dal Lake.
During the course of hearing, Advocate General informed that Shafat Noor has been appointed as Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority and he has also been given additional charge of Vice Chairman, Lakes and Waterways Development Authority. However, no regular incumbent has yet been appointed as VC, LAWDA.
After hearing Senior Advocate ZA Shah with Advocate Vipin Gandotra appearing for the PIL whereas Advocate General MI Qadiri with Advocate GS Thakur appearing for the State, DB observed, “on October 22, 2013 the court had suggested association of another officer right at that time so that by the time Yasin demits his office the officer shadowing him may have grip over the whole matter but nothing has been done by the respondents”.
“In order to serve the environment and maintain ecology of the lake by implementing various projects and maintaining the pace of development, we feel that it would be necessary to retain the services of Yasin”, the DB said and directed the respondents to retain the services of Yasin, Vice Chairman LAWDA at least for a period of six months to start with.
“The non-applicants may if so advised allow a regularly appointed person to work with him so that he may have all ideas of working of various projects related to Dal Lake”, the DB said, adding “the needful shall be done immediately but in any case before March 31, 2014”.
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