HC directs attachment of illegal structures near Dal Lake

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed attachment of all the structures and buildings constructed in violation of Srinagar Master Plan and court orders in and around Dal Lake here.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice N. Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice Hasnain Masoodi on Saturday gave the direction to Lakes and Water Ways Development Authority (LAWDA) to attach all these structures and buildings.

“We, in the said backdrop, direct respondent Authority (LAWDA) to attach all the above mentioned structures and buildings raised in violation of Master Plan, directions of this court, or beyond the permission,” the court said.

The court also directed that action after attachment be initiated against such constructions as warranted under rules.

It also sought further compliance from the authorities in this regard by next date of hearing.

The Bench asked Superintendent of Police (City East) and SHOs of all police stations concerned to extend cooperation to LAWDA to ensure without any delay implementation of the order.

The court also directed the authorities to demarcate the ‘no construction zone’ around Dal Lake with clear signages.

“The authority shall also take steps to identify 200 metres around the lake area by installing identifying marks like signboards, cement and iron poles so that general public is made aware of extent of ‘no construction zone’ around the lake area and possibility of any violation is ruled out,” it said.

The direction on attachment of the properties has been passed in context of a report filed by two-member panel of Court Vigilance Commissioners. The court described the report as shocking, saying it indicates that various constructions have been raised unauthorisedly in violation of the Master Plan as also against court orders. PTI