Ghats-the final destination of man to stay: High Court

New Delhi, May 3 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today said the 'Ghats' on the banks of river Yamuna would remain as they are the ''final destination'' of a man.

A division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Vijender Jain said the 38 ghats on the river banks would remain but the unauthorised constructions near them would be removed.

''While carrying out demolition drive, no exception should be applied to any building or structure constructed by any community for religiuos purposes. But ghats are used for bathing and performing rituals after the cremation,'' the court said.

The ghats should be beautified and sanctified by the authorities by ensuring that they did not pollute the river Yamuna, the court said while adjourning the matter till May 18.

The DDA and NDMC authorities were directed to construct accomodations with water and sewerage facilities beyond 300 meters of the bank for the 'Pandas' who were performing the rituals, said the court direction.

The Justice Usha Mehra Committee submitted its report on demolition of slums from the river banks. From the land occupied by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, the authorities have removed about 4000 slums from the area near Noida Fly over, Samachar Apartments, Kalindi Kunj and Old Railway bridge, the report said.

The Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to fence the entire area with barbed wire and Delhi Police Commissioner to ensure that no unwanted elements encroach the lands again.

The Court asked the Uttar Pradesh Government and Transco, the electricity supplier of Delhi, to pay Rs 5 lakh to the MCD official who died when an electric pole fell on him during the removal of encroachment on the river banks.

UNI PAT YA KP1844