DB expresses displeasure over malfunctioning of Sonamarg Development authority

23/05/2022
image



SRINAGAR, May 23: A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir Srinagar Wing Comprising Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, expressed displeasure over malfunctioning of Sonamarg Development authority.
DB observed that if these authorities like Sonamarg Development Authority are not in a position to take any development work, the Court will recommend the Government for winding up of such authorities as there is no use to keep the white elephants only for the purposes of siphoning of public money which is provided to them either by the Union Territory or by the Union of India.
When the PIL came-up for hearing, Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal observed that in furtherance of the last order dated 20.10.2021 passed by this Court, Mr Chashoo, AAG, has submitted a compliance report on behalf of the Commissioner Secretary to Government, Revenue Department.
In the report it has been stated that the demarcation work on Sindh Nallah (river) in collaboration with the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has been completed and as per the demarcation about 258 kanals and 12.75 marlas of land of the Sindh River is under encroachment and in possession of unauthorized occupants.
DB after gone through the report observed that the department is taking effective steps for retrieving the said land but what steps are proposed to be taken or have been taken had not been indicated. DB further observed that the manner in which the demarcation has been done and whether any boundary pillars have been erected or not has not been disclosed. In the absence of such information, it is not worth believing that the demarcation process has been completed or that effective steps are being taken to retrieve the encroached land.
DB directed AAG appearing for the Government departments is directed to file a better affidavit in regard to the above two aspects.
DB also asked Amicus Curiae, may go through the reports and file objections/suggestions in response thereof.
DB further directed the Chief Executive Officer, Sonamarg Development Authority is directed to come out with a white paper on the development work so far done by the Authority and the action plan they have drawn for future development and also directed him to file his personal affidavit in this regard on or before the next date of hearing.
Advocate General DC Raina, who was requested to ensure compliance of the directions contained in the order dated 11.08.2021 with regard to convening of meeting with the officers and to submit a report thereon, DB allowed the request of Advocate Generaland grants' one month's further time to convene the meeting and to submit the report thereof.
DB made it clear that if these authorities like Sonamarg Development Authority are not in a position to take any development work, the Court will recommend the Government for winding up of such authorities as there is no use to keep the white elephants only for the purposes of siphoning of public money which is provided to them either by the Union Territory or by the Union of India.

Share This Story


Comment On This Story

 

Photo Gallery

  
BSE Sensex
NSE Nifty