Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 17: High Court sought suggestions from the ‘amicus curiae’ with regard to the issues involved in Sonamarg tourist resort by next date of hearing.
The Division Bench headed by Chief Justice has sought suggestions from amicus Nadeem Qadri (Advocate) with regard to the issues involved in the PIL for protection and preservation of Sonamarg resort. The court has been apprised about the cognizance taken against the violators.
“However, we direct T. M. Shamsi DSGI to place on record S.O No. 443 dated 31.12.2021 issued by Department of Tourism Government of J&K, and also disclose how much land has been earmarked for Sonamarg Development Authority and how much land has been earmarked for the Army Authority.”
It is noted here that the Tourism Department J&K has issued an S. O on the request of Corps Commander and declared the land in Sonamarg as ‘Strategic Area’ for operational and training of Armed Forces with certain conditions.
A Notification has also been issued by the Ministry of Environment in which certain terms and conditions have been laid down, which has provided the list of activities prohibited or to be regulated within Eco-sensitive Zone.
The said Notification, court added, is also mentioned of a zonal master plan to be drawn up by the Union Territory in such a manner as to prohibit development activities at or near these areas which are detrimental to such areas.
Court was informed that some persons have been unauthorisedly making constructions and in this regard, on asking by the court about these flagrant violations, the counsel submitted that unauthorized construction appears to be going on at a site, where the construction of second storey being carried out measuring about 70/100 feet at Sonamarg.
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