Srinagar, July 25: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has directed authorities not to allow any concrete structure sans its permission in the Bangus Valley, known for its breath-taking natural beauty including snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and crystal clear streams.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation, a division bench of acting Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajnesh Oswal also issued notice for filing response to authorities including Commissioner Secretary Forest Department, Conservator of forests North Circle Sopore, Divisional forest officer Kehmil Forest division Kralpora Kupwara, District Development Commissioner Kupwara and Chief Executive Officer Lolab Bangus Drangyadi Development Authority (LBDDA) Kupwara.
The PIL also seeks a direction to the authorities to take steps for preservation of natural beauty of Bangus Valley including its forests, stream, meadows etc while preparing Master Plan by following the procedure as envisaged in Jammu and Kashmir Development Act 1970 and in such a way that no concrete constructions and buildings are allowed to be constructed there and “no allotment of land is made in haphazard manner and in excess for commercial activities.”
In the PIL, the petitioner has stated that the LBDDA before carrying on any developmental activity in Bangus Valley need to have a Eco friendly Master Plan for its sustainable development so that no concrete construction is allowed there valley and no haphazard allotments of land made to any private persons for commercial purposes which shall effect the beauty and natural flora and fauna of the place.
