Srinagar, Aug 29 (GNS): The J&K High Court has sought action taken report from J&K’s Chief Secretary regarding a ‘Special Note’ by Committee of Experts (CoE) on Dal and Nageen lakes in which need for Special Act or Ordinance about land acquisition as well as suitable penal action against the errant LAWDA officials has been proposed.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation, a division bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Puneet Gupta took notice of the special note by the CoE, proposing at least seven actions points.
In the first point, the CoE has said that there was need to have a Special Act or Ordinance for acquisition of land in and around the Dal-Nigeen Lake.
“Based on the Act / Ordinance the Government should come up with a set of rules and guidelines carrying out acquisition and rehabilitation in a precise, professional yet humane manner so that it helps improve the situation in and around the Lake; at the same time all oustees get alternate homes to improve the lives of the future generation,” it reads.
The second point states that land acquisition may be assigned to a special team and completed based on a time-plan with the shortest possible timeline.
The third point underlines that the relocation of those who require it may be in a properly developed township where the quality of life of the rehabilitees is much better than earlier.
‘A few cases (we suggest 10 nos.) of irregularities and graft around the Dal and pertaining to LAWDA where major irregularities are alleged may be referred to ACB / Vigilance for time-bound enquiry that may be completed within 3 months and the cases taken to their logical end,” the CoE said in the 4th point, adding, “Only when suitable penal action is taken against the errant officials in at least a few cases the clean-up process will begin. It will also instil a sense of justice and confidence amongst the local population.”
The decisions of the last three High level committee (HLCs) may be examined by the ACB to detect irregularities, if any, it said in the fifth point. This needs to be done with speed and within next 3 months.
In another point, the CoE has called for disciplinary action against officers posted in LAWDA against whom major allegations are pending and process be completed by the disciplinary authority within next two months.
Lastly, the CoE said that the Government of J&K may through a quick investigation find out cases of amassment of unaccounted wealth or property disproportionate to income of officers posted in LAWDA over the 15 years and take swift action in cases where irregularities are detected.
“The suggestions (by CoE) are required to be examined and urgent efforts taken,” the court said, adding, “The Vice Chairman, JKLAWDA, shall place the Special Note.’
The court also directed that the copy of its order be placed before the Chief Secretary, for “consideration and an Action Taken Report” to be filed before it on September 30. (GNS)
