Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 25: Pulling up the State Government for not complying with the its orders, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court today directed the Government for immediate shifting of house boats from Dal lake to Doldem area.
The court has also sought explanation from Government as to why delay has been caused to carry out the order of this court in its right perspective.
While hearing a public interest litigation , the Division Bench of the court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice MH Attar expressed its deep concern and anguish over the slackness and taking the court orders in a casual manner by State Government and LAWDA authorities.
Senior advocate and amicus curie Zafar Ahmad Shah apprised the court that since May 2013 when direction by the court was passed for shifting of house boats to Doldem area, the house boats from Dalgate to Nehru Park are still existing at their places and have not been shifted.
“We direct the process of shifting the house boats must start immediately and Secretary H&UDD shall remain present to assist the court and explain the delay in implementing the court order,” the bench directed.
The court pulled up the Government through Advocate General for not implementing the direction passed on May last year by the court where authorities were directed to shift the house boats.
“We are unable to appreciate the stance of Government closing their eyes completely and shelving the court directions. Why are you hand in glove with these people, file status report within three day, let’s see what have you done for the last more than a year?” the court observed.
The court said: “We want undertaking from the authorities that when would they be able to release the funds, otherwise it will never come to an end” and shifting is so crucial to preserve the lake.”
LAWDA has also directed that demarcation exercise which has been fixed as 200 meters be carried and time frame in this regard be produced to the court by next date.
The bench put on hold other issues like pollution, protection of springs in the lake, identifying the original shape of Anchar Lake and Khushal Lake which according to Shah have squeezed from 19 sq mts to 3 sq mts and de weeding of the lake.
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