Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 26: High Court today sought information from the Government regarding completion of much awaited Circular Road Project from Dalgate to Hazratbal in Srinagar.
The division bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal directed the Commissioner Secretary PWD (R&B), Department and the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to file their personal affidavits clearly indicating the progress made in the completion of the project in question.
The development work on the project as stated by the authorities could not be completed on account of pendency of two cases titled Iram Shehri and Others versus Waheeda Akhter and Others and another bearing titled Mushtaq Ahmad Kachroo and others versus State of JK and others which are pending before the court of law and accordingly, directions were issued to the Principal District Judge Srinagar to get the aforesaid cases decided expeditiously, but, the court has been informed that till date both the cases have not been proceeded ahead and continues to remain pending.
The court in view of this information directed the Principal District Judge, Srinagar to submit his explanation why these two cases have not yet been decided despite specific direction of this court in 2019 to ensure that the said cases are positively decided within a period of one year.
The Court while taking into consideration the status report filed by the Chief Engineer PWD (R&B) Department, Kashmir observed that though substantial steps have been taken for widening of the road from Dalgate to Zakura, Srinagar in first phase but certain impediments are there, such as difficulty in the acquisition regarding certain structures.
Accordingly, Collector Land Acquisition was permitted to take prompt steps to ensure completion of the project and the Finance Department was also directed to examine the difficulties being faced in the acquisition process for want of adequate funds.
Court had noted that the status report filed giving only half-baked information regarding acquisition proceedings for the purpose of widening of road from Boulevard Road to Hazratbal, Srinagar and specific directions had been given with regard to the status report which was required to be filed by the Chief Engineer PWD(R&B) as well as Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar. These directions have not been complied with till date.
Earlier there was shortage of funds and the matter was taken up with the Administrative Depart for release of funds. The CE PWD in his affidavit had also ensured the court for disposal of the cases pending before the court of law which as per his statement are impediment to proceed with the project ahead.
The instant public interest litigation relates to the on-going road widening project in the city of Srinagar from Dalgate to Hazratbal which has commenced way back in the year 2009-20.
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