Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 24: High Court today directed State Government to protect green spaces available in the State and address all the deficiencies expeditiously.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mital and Justice Alok Arade also directed for protection of Mughal Gardens and said any defacement of these gardens should not be done.
Court directed for creating awareness and installing public hoardings for not defacing public property and punishment thereto.
“We direct respondents to issue publicity at large regarding defacement of public property and authorities shall ensure that public hoardings are installed and strict action be taken for defacing structures at Mughal gardens or at any other place”, DB reiterated.
Hearing the PIL on parks and gardens, the Division Bench passed direction to government after Amicus Curiae, submitted his report before Court which has pointed many deficiencies related to the maintenance of parks and gardens in the State.
Out of 11 gardens, Amicus as directed by the Court physically inspected 4 gardens, the Court directed the counsel to visit the rest of the gardens and submit his report before court on next date of hearing.
The Court further directed authorities to place status of three Mughal Gardens namely Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden and Cheshma-Shahi. The Court called for strict surveillance of all these gardens and remarked that they are of archaeological importance.
The Court recorded that all over the world, parks and gardens act as catalyst between nature and man and help people in soothing out their stress but unfortunately in our part of world we are still lagging behind.
The Court directed that details of plantation be placed before this court specifically which have a footfall from all over the world.
The Court had taken cognizance of a letter by former Chief Justice regarding need for earmarking areas for parks and green space in Srinagar city.
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