Srinagar, Mar 31 (GNS): Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Wednesday asked Vice Chairman of the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) to apprise it as to how the LAWDA proposes to tackle the cleanness of the Dal Lake and other related issues.
In this direction, a division bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul directed the VC to present himself on Thursday.
“On the intervention of learned Advocate General, we direct to put up this matter tomorrow again so as to enable the Vice Chairman of the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) to present
himself and to apprise the court as to how the Development Authority proposes to tackle the cleanness of the Dal Lake and other related issues,” reads the court’s order, a copy of which lies with GNS.
Last year, the court directed Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) as well as Secretary Forest, Ecology and Environment Department to file report on declaring Dal lake and its surrounding areas as eco sensitive zone.
With regard to relocation and rehabilitation of persons within and around the Dal Lake, the court had directed Principal Secretary, Revenue Department and Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD to examine the issue and come up with a proper action plan .
The Court had also directed the Department of Tourism to prepare forthwith an action plan, announce guidelines and take immediate steps for registration of Shikaras and all other vessels on the Dal Lake.
The court had also said that fitting of bio-digesters in more of the houseboats be undertaken and be closely monitored by LAWDA and Pollution Control Board. (GNS)
