HC issues notice to development authority on littering Kufri

Legal Correspondent

Shimla, November 7

Expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of Kufri near Shimla, the High Court today issued a notice to the Special Area Development Authority, Kufri.

The court also directed the amicus curiae (friend of the court) to file his suggestion within three weeks. It made it clear that he might inspect the spot and directed all officials concerned to remain present on the spot during the inspection.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan passed the orders on a petition taken up suo motu by the court as a public interest litigation on a letter written to the Chief Justice by Rakesh Mehta, a resident of Kufri. The petitioner said Kufri was a well known tourist destination and a large number of tourists visited the place every year. “ A large amount of money from the public exchequer is being spent on the development of tourism activities in the area by the government through the Department of Tourism and Special Area Development Authority,” he said.

The petitioner alleged that the condition of the area had been deteriorating each passing day. There are a large number of horses in the area that litter roads, paths and public places. Minors ply them, most of whom are from Nepal. They often indulge in oral and physical abuse with tourist and locals. Despite the fact being in the knowledge of the district administration, no concrete steps have been taken to restrict the number of horses. The petitioner has prayed in the petition that necessary directions may be issued to the district and police administration to check the menace of horse. The matter will be now listed before the court on December 5.