DB allows ropeway construction

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 20: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against mining and other activities in Trikuta Hills, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Chief Justice M M Kumar and Justice J P Singh has allowed the respondents to construct rope-way at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
After hearing battery of lawyers, the DB observed, “there is agreement between the parties for modification of interim order dated March 19, 2012 which provides for maintaining status-quo till next date of hearing”.
“The Counsels have agreed that the order with regard to the status-quo may not be maintained with regard to construction of rope-way by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). Accordingly, the order of status-quo dated March 19, 2012 is clarified. However, it shall continue to operate with regard to mining and felling of tree till next date of hearing”, the DB said.
The mining in the Trikuta Hills and setting up of plant for production of Dead Burt Magneria at Panthal near holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi has been challenged in the PIL on the ground that such activities would disturb the environment and ecological pattern of land in respect of Trikuta Wildlife Sanctuary and Trikuta Hills.
With these submissions, the petitioners have been seeking quashment of orders issued by the various departments and directions to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board through its Chairman to alienate the land held and owned by it in violation of the provisions of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Act,1988.