Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 27: In a Public Interest Litigation filed by Adv Sumit Nayyar seeking respondents to develop/improve the tourist infrastructural facilities for the Patnitop-Mantalai-SudhMahadev including temples which attracts a large number of tourists every year, a Division Bench of State High Court Comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Tashi Rabstan observed that Pursuant to our last order dated 24th December, 2018, , Conservat-or of Forests has informed that a proposal to develop a Convention Centre at Patnitop stands interdicted on account of availability of an alternative land. In this regard, a reference is made to a communication dated 12th July, 2018 addressed by the Divisional Forest Officer, Jammu to the Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop, who is In-charge of the project.
He further informed court that the funds stand allocated by the Central Government, however, this small matter is hanging fire.
DB further observed that a report filed on 20th December, 2018 under the signature of Rigzin Sampheal, Secretary to Government, Tourism Department states that the work at Patnitop stands suspended w.e.f 25th August, 2017. It appears that yet again the work is stalled because an interdepartmental meeting to resolve the issue has not been held.
DB asked Chief Secretary to examine this matter and ensure that a decision is taken at the earliest and filed a status report on or before the next date of hearing. |
