Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 21: High Court today directed Ministry of Power Government of India to submit the approval before the court with regard to laying of transmission line through wildlife sanctuary in South Kashmir.
The direction was passed by the Division Bench of Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar and Justice M K Hanjura after the court was informed that the State Government has granted the permission for the project.
The PIL has been filed before the court submitting therein that the authorities have devastated the sanctuary and the species in it by carrying transmission line and blasting its peripheries by heavy machinery.
Court has sought to know from Government of India as to whether clearance has been given for the project. It has also been submitted during the course of proceedings that while laying 42 towers out 44 towers certain violations have been found for which Rs 247.50 lakh costs have been imposed which have been deposited before proper forum.
Court also directed counsel representing Forest Department to call upon the Principal Chief Conservator to inspect the site and report the court as to whether any violation is there about the permission order.
Court however has been informed that while laying the transmission line, care is taken with regard to wildlife sanctuary and steps are taken to safeguard the interest of the sanctuary.
The Indian Company, Sterlite Power, and its contractors, Tata Projects, have been assigned the project of laying 400KV transmission line, which is supposed to provide power supply in Akhnoor, Rajouri, Poonch and Shopian.
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