Srinagar, Mar 5: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has directed the authorities to report to it their “perspectives” on the issues including the flow of sewage and liquid waste in the Dal Lake and the removal of unauthorised construction in and around the water body.
A division bench of Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal issued the direction while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the preservation and conservation of Dal Lake.
The bench observed that in terms of the order dated September 24, 2021, the court identified certain specific issues that require attention that is cleanliness of Dal; the flow of sewage and liquid waste in the Dal; solid waste management in and around the lake; the responsibility of the Tourism Department qua the development of tourist and recreational sports maintenance and creation of public facilities; management of the problems concerning houseboats; stoppage and removal of unauthorised construction and all encroachments in and around the lake area and responsibilities of the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) as also that of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).
The court said: “While acknowledging the significance of all the identified issues, this court deems it more appropriate to prioritise the aspects.”
In this way, the court prioritised issues as: the flow of sewage and liquid waste in the Dal, solid waste management in and around Dal Lake, stoppage and removal of unauthorised construction, all encroachments in and around the lake area, and responsibilities of the LAWDA and SMC.
“Accordingly, we would like the concerned authorities to provide their perspectives on how to address these issues, to facilitate the court in passing appropriate orders,” the bench said.
Considering the importance and significance of the issues involved in the PIL, the court said the petition should be scheduled for hearing at least once a week.