news details |
|
|
| DB asks DCs to ensure non-conversion of agri-land, protection of Kahcharie land | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, May 30: The state High Court has directed all deputy commissioners to ensure non-conversion of agriculture land and removal of encroachments on Kahcharie land in the Kashmir Valley.
Hearing a Public Interest litigation, a division bench of the court comprising Justice M H Attar and Justice A M Magrey also directed commissioner secretary Housing and Urban Development Department to file by July 6 a fresh status report, indicating steps taken for finalization of revised Master Plan for Srinagar and construction of Satellite Township at Rakh-i-Gund Aksha here
"After perusal of the status reports filed by the deputy commissioners, we are not satisfied with the process of works and implementation of court orders. Before framing rule (for contempt) against all (of them), they are given one more opportunity to implement the court orders issued from time to time and also observe their statutory obligations faithfully," the division bench said. It also directed the Deputy Commissioners to file compliance report for ensuring there is no conversion of the agriculture land and constructions on it in violation of the laws.
"All the Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Valley, in their compliance reports, shall also state as to what action has been taken against those persons who are raising constructions illegally on the agriculture land."
The court also directed the Commissioner Secretary Revenue Department to suggest measures for preventing non-conversion of the agriculture land.
"He shall also inform the court as to how and in which manner the directions of the Supreme Court in Jagpal Singh Vs State of Punjab are being implemented," the court said.
The Commissioner Secretary has also been asked to inform the court about the status of the 'Jammu Kashmir Prohibition on conversion of agriculture land for non agriculture purposes 2011." The direction followed as a number of lawyers told the court that the conversion of agriculture land for other purposes has grown manifold in the recent past.
They also submitted that under the very nose of authorities, constructions are being raised on agriculture land in violation of the statue.
Regarding Srinagar master plan and Satellite Township, the court observed that state counsel had stated earlier that steps are being taken for finalization of proposed plans.
The Commissioner Secretary had also informed the court that cabinet has approved extension of area from 416 to 757 Sq Km for Srinagar in revised Master Plan, prepared for 2012-2032 by Srinagar Development Authority.
Regarding township, the division bench observed that nothing has been brought to the notice of the court about the development of land measuring 440 Kanals and whether possession of 797 Kanals is taken over or not.
"The Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, shall file fresh status report, indicating therein about the steps taken in respect of issues raised in this order and steps taken for finalization of revised draft Master Plan, taking over the possession as also construction of Satellite Township. Status report be filed before the next date," the court said and posted the PIL on July 6. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
