DB directs respondents to file response
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: A letter under Ref No.122-24/LAHDC/Kgl dated July 1, 2024 under the subject “Save Ladakh’s Environment, Ecology and Land from Encroachers and Resolve the Boundary Dispute between District Kargil (UT Ladakh) and District Ganderbal (UT J&K)” addressed to Chief Justice by one Abdul Wahid, in his capacity as Councillor, 2-Bhimbet Constituency, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, treated as Public Interest Litigation.
A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court Comprising Chief Justice (Acting) Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajnesh Oswal impleaded the Chief Secretary/ Advisor UT Administration of Ladakh, Principal Secretary to Forest Department, UT of Ladakh, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil ADGP Ladakh, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal and directed registry to draw a memo of parties and issue notice to the respondents for their response.
At this stage, Rehana Qayoom, Advocate, appearing vice T. M. Shamsi, DSGI, accepts notice on behalf of respondents 1 to 4 and Illyas Nazir Laway, GA, accepts notice on behalf of respondents 5 and 6. They seek time to file their response.
DB directed to list this matter on 28th August, 2024 and in the meantime, response on behalf of the respondents. While seeking response from respondents, DB observed that in the letter, deep concern has been expressed over the safety of the environment and ecology of Ladakh. It has been averred in the letter that the residents of District Ganderbal have encroached upon the land of Ladakh under the garb that the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has divided the snow area land into equal proportions and this action on part of the inhabitants of Ganderbal has endangered the flora and fauna of the Ladakh region which being a threat to the environment and ecology of the said region. Further it has been pleaded that the traffic movement and allied rules governing the subject are being applied to impede only Ladakh people who are made to suffer from various aspects whereas the tourist vehicles as well as heavy vehicles without any restrictions are being allowed to move throughout the year.
