Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 11: The High Court today expressed serious concern over Pollution Control Board not handling the solid waste in Sonamarg resort and sought affidavit from PCB indicating therein as to what they propose to bring solid waste in line with prescribed rules.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey after perusal of the affidavit of PCB with regard to management of solid waste in the resort said there are deficiencies while handling with solid waste.
DB directed the PCB authorities to file affidavit by or before next date indicating there in as to whether the site where solid waste is dumped is in conformity with the Solid Waste Management rules of 2014.
Court said the disposal of solid waste is a matter of concern and the same is dealt by PCB in a casual manner. “They (PCB) are required to follow the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, this is not only with regard to disposal of Solid Waste but also for the land filling sites”, DB recorded.
Court also directed to indicate in the affidavit as to what the PCB proposes to do to bring solid waste in Sonamarg in line with these rules. “We are also concerned that bio-degradable and non-degradable waste is generated at Baltal is mixed with other bio-degradable and non-biodegradable waste resulting into making the water of nallah Sindh polluted”, court said.
Court in this connection reminded the PCB there are separate rules for management of different solid waste and these rules are adhered to be by PCB and PCB shall take immediate measures and inform the court on next date.
Court on previous hearing had sought satellite imaging to indicate the designated areas for tourist parking and pony trails. The CEO SDA submitted that the satellite image would be done within a week and will be presented before the court before the next date.
On going to the map which has been placed before the court instead of satellite map, court noted that there is proposed Golf Course on the meadows itself, which the court desired to be relocated.
Court has been informed that there was a meeting of BOCA on September 9 it was proposed that the said Golf course should be re-located from the present proposed site. “We are also of the same view. It is so because the meadows are an attraction for tourist and they should not be developed into a golf course and so retain their natural duty”, DB said.
Court also directed that Sonamarg Master Plan was required to be relooked. Court was also given video-graphy presentation about the cleanliness drive taken by SDA. Court acknowledged the good work that has been done and hoped that in future, it will continue.
Amicus has also submitted his points of suggestions for further preservation and maintenance of resort. Court said these are valuable suggestions and need to be considered and implemented by BOCA.
Court on application moved by Army for repairs of their structures in the resort directed them to approach the BOCA and BOCA shall decide the same strictly in accordance with law.
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