HC issues directions for Wular Restoration and protection
Post by Syed Rukaya on Friday, December 23, 2022
Srinagar, Dec 22: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh directed the amicus curiae to make additional suggestions regarding development and cleaning of the Wular lake.
Hearing a Public interest Litigation (PIL) by Kashmir Environmental Protection seeking conservation and protection of Wular lake, a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajesh Sekhri asked the amicus curiae, Nadeem Qadri to file the suggestions in the matter by or before February 27, 2023.
The bench passed the direction after noting that neither amicus was present before the court nor any additional suggestion has been filed before it.
"Be that as it may, he may do the needful in terms of order dated September 08, 2022 on or before the next date of hearing," the court said while posting the matter for hearing on February 27.
In a previous hearing, Advocate General, DC Raina had filed an Action Taken Report (ATR) along with an affidavit regarding encroachment of 640 kanals of Wular lake.
In this connection, the bench had asked the amicus to go through the ATR and make additional suggestions if any by the next date.
The amicus curiae, who had visited the Lake on July 26، 2022, had also submitted his report/suggestions related to the development and cleaning of the Wular lake.
Accordingly, the court had directed the government to file a response to the report of the amicus curiae regarding restoration and preservation of Wular lake.
"Let a copy of the said report/suggestions be provided to the Office of the learned Advocate General for response from the government," the court directed.
Earlier, the court had directed the authorities to immediately take necessary steps for removal of the encroachments within the boundary and vicinity of Wular Lake.
The bench had also directed the authorities to inform it the manner in which Rs. 200 crore provided by Centre government is sought to be spent for the conservation and management of the Wular lake.
It had also directed that no construction activity shall be permitted or come up within 200 metres of the boundaries of the Wular Lake.
