High Court bars concrete construction activity in Bangus

Srinagar, July 25: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Thursday directed the authorities not to allow the carrying out of any concrete structure in north Kashmir’s health resort Bangus Valley without its permission.

Hearing a related Public Interest Litigation (PIL) a division bench of acting Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajnesh Oswal barred any construction activity in the area.

In response to the PIL, the court issued notice to J&K’s Commissioner Secretary Forest Department, Conservator of Forests North Circle Sopore, Divisional Forest Officer Kehmil Forest division Kralpora Kupwara, District Development Commissioner Kupwara and Chief Executive Officer Lolab Bangus Drangyadi Development Authority (LBDDA) Kupwara.

On behalf of the government, its deputy Advocate General sought and was granted four weeks to file the response.

In the meantime, the court directed the authorities particularly the Divisional Forest Officer, Kehmil Forest Division, Kralpora, Kupwara, not to allow raising any concrete structure in the Bangus Valley without leave of the court.

The court listed the plea for further hearing on September 11.

The PIL is seeking the court's intervention to direct the authorities to prepare a Master Plan for the sustainable development of Bangus Valley before carrying on any developmental work.

It also seeks direction for taking steps for the preservation of the natural beauty of the health resort including its forests, streams, and meadows while preparing a Master Plan by following the procedure as envisaged in the Jammu and Kashmir Development Act, 1970.

The PIL urges that no concrete constructions and buildings are allowed to come up there and no allotment of land is made in a haphazard manner and excess for commercial activities.

It underscores that the LBDDA before carrying out any developmental activity in Bangus Valley need to have an eco-friendly Master Plan for its sustainable development so that no concrete construction is allowed there.

The PIL also seeks to bar allotments of land to any private person for commercial purposes which shall adversely affect the beauty and natural flora and fauna of the place.