Set up Dal Conservation Fund: J

Srinagar, Dec 15 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the authorities to set up a 'Dal Conservation Fund' and appealed to the people to contribute in it to save this world famous lake from extinction.

A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Bashir Ahmed Khan and Justice Bashir Ahmed Kirmani, also asked the state Chief Secretary to submit a fresh status report on the Dal Lake.

The court gave fresh directions on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Syed Iqbal Tahir Geelani.

The Bench directed the Chief Secretary to immediately convene a meeting of the high level co-ordination committee set up under the court orders and ask its nodal agency (Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department) to submit a fresh status report by the next date of hearing.

The court said the time was being granted subject to the payment of Rs 25,000 by the Urban Development Department which should be deposited with the Registrar (Judicial).

The Bench directed Registrar (Judicial) to open a ''Dal Conservation Fund'' and deposit the amount (Rs 25,000) in it. The fund would be open to the public for contributions.

The Bench also heard the arguments put forth by the LAWDA vice- chairman, who took over recently and brought to its notice the difficulties being faced by him in implementing court orders.

The court authorised him to submit his suggestions within one week to the Chief Secretary who was directed to consider these in the meeting of the high level coordination committee so that the practicable demands were fulfilled.

The status report filed by the state Pollution Control Board noted that all Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) of UEED, SKIMS and some other hotels, including the Grand Palace and Centaur, were not conforming to the requisite standards.

The bench directed the hotel management to be present in person on the next date of hearing and asked the PCB Chairman to monitor these STPs periodically and submit a fresh report to the court.

UNI AG YA SND1440