Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 9: The High Court has allowed the application of Army seeking orders for rejuvenation and repairs of its structures in Gulmarg tourist resort and directed the Building Operation Controlling Authority (BOCA), Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) to pass appropriate orders as early as possible in this regard.
The application was moved on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, seeking permission to commence existing and fresh construction relating to operational training of its forces including providing accommodation for own and foreign officers and troops along with the allied infrastructure at Gulmarg in phases.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal while allowing the application directed the BOCA of GDA to expeditiously pass appropriate orders regarding repair and construction of new structures by Army in Gulmarg by keeping in mind the strategic significance and security of the nation.
The court last week had allowed the application of Army with regard to the same issue in Sonamarg and had directed the Sonamarg Development Authority to consider the application of Army with regard to repairs and fresh constructions of its structures in Sonamarg on priority basis keeping in view the security of the nation.
The application with regard to Gulmarg structures mentioned that Gulmarg being a key location which act as fulcrum of operations of Indian Army in maintaining the Line of Control of the nation and also host the unique High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) which trains the Indian Army and armies of friendly nations. The court said that considering the fact that this pertains to the defence and security of the nation, the matter is remitted to the BOCA Gulmarg for grant of necessary permission.
Court asked the BOCA, Gulmarg Development Authority to accordingly do the needful for grant of permission to the Indian Army in order to enable them to make necessary repairs and fresh construction in accordance with the norms, as applicable.
The Assistant Solicitor General of India representing the applicant (army) informed the court that they have already approached the BOCA authorities at Gulmarg. “The authorities shall consider the same and pass appropriate orders keeping in mind the strategic significance and security of the nation, as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of one month from today”, read the order.
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