Srinagar:The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh directed the government to furnish an affidavit disclosing the steps initiated for revising or drafting a new Master Plan.
A division bench led by Chief Justice, Tashi Rabstan and Justice M A Chowdhury passed the directions after Special Secretary, Tourism, Mathoora Masoom, who appeared before the Court through virtual mode, and Chief Town Planner, Bilkees Jeelani, who was present in person submitted that they have already initiated the process for revising or drafting a new Master Plan.
The bench while taking into account the submission of government officials directed senior Additional Advocate General, Mohsin Qadri, to file an affidavit disclosing the steps initiated for revising or drafting a new Master Plan along with the timeline for finalizing the same by or before the next date of hearing.
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding preservation and restoration of Sonamarg Tourist health-resort.
Earlier during the pre-launch session, the Court noted that the existing Master Plan is expiring in June, 2025 and sought personal appearance of the Commissioner Secretary Tourism, and Commissioner Secretary, Housing Department in person or through virtual mode in the post lunch session and the matter was accordingly, directed to be taken up in the post lunch session.
The Court also noted that various proposals and suggestions were made by the Amicus Curiae regarding the drafting of the new Master Plan.
The bench underscored that the respondents have filed a compliance report, however, the respondent authorities have not disclosed the current status regarding either the revised Master Plan or the new Master Plan. Accordingly, the Court sought personal appearance of government officials to disclose the current status of the Master Plan
The PIL is seeking directions to the government with regard to preservation and conservation of Sonmarg health resort in north Kashmir.