Early Times Report
Srinagar, Sept 29 : Observing that the report submitted by the court commissioners appointed by it indicate the sorry state of affairs on the part of police and LAWDA officials, a division bench of Jammu and Kashmir high court has sought action taken report from government in removing encroachments in and around the world famous Dal Lake.
The court by order dated on August18, taking note of the laxity on the part of the police as well as the LAWDA authorities, appointed court vigilance commissioners to visit the Dal Lake area periodically and find out as to whether the directions issued from time to time in the PIL are being implemented by the authorities by making surprise inspections.
Pursuant to the directions, the Vigilance Commissioners filed a report stating the reasons as to why the encroachments or illegal constructions are going on in the prohibited area and why the LAWDA authorities are not able to remove the same. In certain areas, the report said that the illegal constructions have been demolished but many of them are untouched.
"FlRs have been registered against the violators, however, there is no progress.
The enforcement wing of the LAWDA have either remained docile and dormant in the entire affair in more ways than one or seem to be in league with the violators," the report reads.
The demolition squad is poorly armed both with regard to person as well as equipment due to which certain actions were overpowered by the mob who favours the violators, the report reveals further.
At one point of time, the report says, the enforcement wing of LAWDA was provided 25 armed police personnel which came to be reduced to 5 currently.
"The said facts relating to inadequacy of the armed police, tools and equipment were taken up with the government as well as DGP who though agreed to consider the same have remained unfulfilled promise," the report said.
Taking note of the lack of seriousness on the part of the police authorities, a division bench of the court comprising Chief Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice Hasnain Massodi directed presence of inspector general of police who submitted that immediately he will provide twenty more police personnel in addition to existing five and one more motor boat to the Enforcement Wing of LAWDA to carry out the directions issued by court, namely, checking of un authorized constructions, encroachments and for removal of constructions already put in. The said statement made by the IG of police is taken on record.
"The police as well as official respondents are directed to file action taken report in the matter considering the alarming report submitted by the Court Commissioners dated on or before 12. 10. 2015," the court said and directed listing of the PIL October 13. |
