Early Times Report
Jammu, June 16: A Division Bench of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court at Srinagar, comprising Chief Justice N. Kotishwar Singh and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, has granted permission to the government to raise temporary structures for the convenient transit of the Yatris/Pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra. However, these structures must be demolished and the earlier position restored after the conclusion of this year's Yatra. The decision modifies the earlier order passed by the Court on March 27, 2023, for the limited period of the Yatra.
During the hearing, the Division Bench emphasized the importance of environmental preservation in Sonamarg, considering the potential implications of construction or renovation on the environment and ecology of the region. The matter has been postponed for further consideration after the vacation period.
In light of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 1, 2023, the Division Bench decided to allow the raising of temporary structures to facilitate and provide convenient provisions and facilities for the pilgrims. However, these structures must be demolished once the Yatra concludes, restoring the previous condition of the field. The modified order is applicable only for the limited period of this year's Amarnath Yatra. The Court also acknowledged the importance of the J&K Forest Department and the Department of Wildlife as stakeholders in environmental preservation and directed them to file their responses and submit their views in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL). |
