JKHC hails Azad govt for steps to save Wullar, Manasbal lakes

Srinagar, Oct 20 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has hailed the state government for prompt compliance to its orders on demarcation of territorial limits of Wullar and Manasbal lakes.

Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), a Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Bashir Ahmed Khan and Justice Bashir Ahmed Krimani, also lauded the government for addressing the problem of shortage of staff in Wullar and Manasbal Development Authorities.

In a report submitted to the court by the Chief Secretary, it has been pointed out that a committee headed by Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla was constituted for carrying out demarcation of twin lakes of Wullar and Manasbal and to find out the extent of encroachments, including plantations, by private and government agencies.

The encroachments were required to be removed within two weeks.

The court had earlier directed the Local Bodies Director to immediately present a report on dumping of garbage and flow of sewerage into these lakes.

An international consultant, the Wetlands International South Asia, was asked to submit an action plan within six months and an interim report in three months for which Rs 24 lakh had been sanctioned to meet the cost of DPR.

The Chief Executive Officers of Wullar and Manasbal Development Authorities were directed to prevent any construction within 1000 and 500 square yards of these lakes.

Similarly, the Secretary of the Forest department was asked to take immediate steps for deployment of staff against available vacancies in Wullar and Manasbal Development Authorities in order to make them fully functional.

UNI AG FMH YA HS1351