HC tells authorities to remove encroachments in Gulmarg

Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 24

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the authorities concerned to remove “all illegal constructions” in and around the famous tourist resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir before the next date of hearing.

The directions from a division Bench of the High Court came even as the people having taking advantage of the ongoing unrest resorted to illegal constructions not only in the Dal Lake but also in many tourist resorts.

“We are losing everything like the Dal, Jhelum, Pahalgam and other tourist places. Big persons are in illegal possession of state land. If there would be a poor man in their place, you would throw him out within seconds. To enforce the law of the land is the duty of the government,” the Bench, comprising Justices Muzaffar Hussain Attar and Ali Mohamamd Magrey, observed before issuing directions in the PIL calling for preservation and removal of encroachments in and around Gulmarg.

“The CEO (Gulmarg) is directed to take action in accordance with law and in terms of court orders. He shall also take action in light of the two reports of the court commissioners. It is made clear to the said authority that all illegal encroachments shall be removed before the next date and possession of the property taken,” the court said in its orders.

“He shall also ensure that court orders are implemented and no illegal construction is allowed to be raised within his jurisdiction,” it said while asking the Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) to file an action taken report before the next date of hearing fixed in the week commencing from October 17.

The High Court has also directed the “competent authority” (CEO, GDA) pass orders in accordance with law and in light of recommendations of the court commissioners, who have recommended repair of internal roads and repair of damaged water pipes for supply of drinking water to the Army installations stationed at Gulmarg.