Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 23: The High Court today directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Air Commodore Indian Airports and Chief Secretary of the State to assist the court about the fluctuating rates in air fare.
Court while observing the fluctuating rates in air fare beyond proportions is disadvantage to the poor and needy people as such sought assistance from the counsels of these authorities on next date. “….therefore, all the appearing counsel on this aspect shall assist the court on next date of hearing”, directed the division bench of Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Janak Raj Kotwal.
Court also sought the information from the airport authorities about the facilities which are being provided to those passengers who are suffering due to cancellation of air flights.
Air Commodore Air Force in its compliance report would suggest that that Air Force authority of India has provided the navigational aids to the Srinagar airport, but the approach lighting system which as per Commodore is an integral part of ILS has not been installed by the AAI.
It has been stated before the Court that for the installation of approach of lighting system there is land requirement and Air Force Station Srinagar has only 300 meters of land for which minimum 900 meters is required.
“The additional land required for installation of the approach lighting system has to be provided by the State Government to AAI”, compliance report said.
Another status report revealed that the matter about the cancellation of flights has been taken up with the Ministry of Defence, Government of India and the said issue has been highlighted to address the problems being faced and for avoiding frequent cancellation of flights at Srinagar International Airport.
Court after perusal of these reports said that it leads to only one conclusion that land is not being provided for installation of approach lighting system as minimum requirement is 900 meters and directed the Government to respond it by next date which has been fixed on April 17.
The PIL was initiated by Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and thereafter Chief Justice of the State had directed the issue involved be treated as suo-moto in view of public interest. While taking cognizance of the issue, Justice Magrey noticed that the Airport Authority of India has, prima facie, failed to take notice of hardships and difficulties being regularly faced by the people, who travel to & fro Kashmir by air.
It has also been notice in the suo-moto proceedings that the said authority has prima facie, failed to take appropriate remedial measures by upgrading the lighting system and installing the required gadgets at Srinagar Airport as such said authority has failed to discharge its public duty.
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