Specify a schedule for completion of works: JK Court to Kapur

Srinagar, Oct 8: Empowering him to scrutinise reports being submitted by different departments on the work being done for the restoration of famed Dal Lake to its pristine glory, Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed state Chief Secretary S S Kapur to give a time-frame for implementation of all directions issued by the court to preserve the water body.

A division bench comprising Justice Nissar Ahmad Kakroo and Justice Hakim Imtiyaz directed Mr Kapur to give a time-frame for completion of different works being undertaken for restoration of Lake to its pristine glory.

The judges said to Mr Kapur, who was present in the court, to specify a time bound schedule for completion of works.

The court wanted to know from him the reasonable time period to be spelt out for implementation of direction issued by the court from time to time on the Lake preservation.

When the court wanted to know from Mr Kapur about the officers, who according to him were responsible for non-implementation of court direction, the Chief Secretary said, if the court reposes confidence in him, he will live up to its expectations.

About his non appearance on two earlier hearings, Mr Kapur said this was because of communication gap.

Expressing satisfaction over the reply from Mr Kapur, the court said they are restoring the past practice empowering him to scrutinise reports being filed by the different departments in the court.

He was authorised to pass directions to officials for implementation of the court directions from time to time for retrieving the lost glory of the lake.

The court directed all officers concerned with the implementation of the court orders have been asked to submit their reports on affidavits with copies to the chief secretary.

However, the Pollution Control Board has been asked to deal with the violators.

UNI