HC seeks govt’s response to ‘serious threat’ to Sonamarg environment

SRINAGAR, DEC 02: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has asked Assistant Regional Transport Officer Ganderbal to file a response to an application regarding a “serious threat” to the environment and unregulated traffic management because of the large number of local Taxis (commercial) operating in the Sonamarg area.
In this regard, an application came up for hearing before a Division Bench of Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice M. A. Chowdhary during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Sonamarg.

Government advocate submitted that Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Ganderbal may be directed to file response as he will be in a better position to regulate the traffic in the area. “Ordered accordingly,” the court said and asked ARTO Ganderbal to file the compliance.
Meanwhile, in the main matter, the court said that the Building Operations Control Authority (BOCA) Sonamarg may proceed with the various applications pending before it regarding the repairing, and construction of Hotels and Huts and Integrated tourist resorts. The court asked the BOCA to consider the same strictly in accordance with the Master Plan and the available area as reflected in the records.
However, the Division bench said that any permission, if granted by the BOCA, will be implemented only after being permitted by the Court after hearing all the concerned parties and considering the various aspects involved in the matter.