Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 28: Government today said that it will not allow any kind of construction within 200 metres from the fringes of the Dal lake as part of conservation of the water body.
The Government said this in response to the Court direction for providing interim measure for flood victims living within 200 meters from the fringe of Dal lake.
Advocate General submitted before the court that Secretary to Government Housing and Urban Development Department has initiated the process providing interim relief to the flood victims of Dal living in 200 meter area. “Latest status in this regard be filed on or before next date”, ordered the Division Bench comprising Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Hasnain Masoodi.
The Vice Chairman Lakes and Waterways Development Authority in its compliance report states that the Government envisages a short term measure to offer pre fabricated or monthly rental of Rs 5000 to those whose residential houses have collapsed or declared unsafe and have approached the Secretary H&UD for decision and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar for providing accommodation in pre fabricated huts or monthly allowance of Rs 5000 for a period of four months in accordance with Government policy.
The VC LAWDA further states that for long term measure of relocation of those Dal dwellers who are living within the parameters of 200 meters, policy shall be formulated at appropriate level in accordance with Business Rules.
During the course of arguments Advocate General submitted before the court that they (Dal dwellers) will not be allowed any kind of construction within 200 meters from the fringe of lake as there is already ban of any kind of construction by this Hon’ble court.
Court on last date of hearing had directed the Government to disclose its stand before the court by next date with regard to shifting of those persons whose houses and other structures have damaged due to floods and providing them alternative sites as the issue is of serious in nature.
Amicus Curie to the PIL, Advocate Zaffar Shah, had submitted before the court that in wake of recent floods some persons living nearby lake whose houses have either collapsed or have suffered damages and are seeking permission for reconstruction or repairing their houses.
Advocate Shah had submitted since the matter with regard to construction near and around Dal lake is sub-judice before the court and court orders passed from time to time on banning of construction activity within 200 meters from the fringe of lake is in force from the year 2002.
Shah had further submitted that after floods the whole scenario has changed as such State Government shall have to take policy decision which may include shifting of these persons whose houses got collapsed or partially damaged during recent floods to some other areas by providing them alternative sites.
Court was hearing a PIL for protection and conservation of famous Dal lake from encroachment and pollution.
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