HC Seeks ATR on Flood Prevention Measures in J&K, Expresses Concern Over Delays

Srinagar, Sept 12: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has pulled up the authorities over their failure to implement flood prevention measures after the devastating 2014 deluge, and directed the administration to file an Action Taken Report (ATR) by or before October 28.

Divisional Commissioner Appears Before Court

Appearing before the Division Bench of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir submitted that suggestions made by the amicus curiae were being examined and sought time to compile the ATR. The court granted four weeks but expressed strong concern over the “lackadaisical approach” of the authorities.

PIL and Amicus Observations

The case relates to a PIL filed in 2017 seeking flood prevention steps. During the hearing, the amicus presented photographs showing illegal structures, including a stadium, built on water body banks in Srinagar and adjoining areas. He pointed out that despite crores of rupees being allocated by the Government of India for protection and preservation of water bodies, little progress has been made on the ground.

Earlier Directions Ignored

The court recalled its order dated 18.08.2017, which had directed immediate demarcation of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Wetland Reserves using GIS technology. The Commissioner/Secretary of the Forest Department was designated as the nodal authority. However, the amicus argued that no visible action has been taken despite repeated directions.

Need to Reconnect Water Networks

The bench reiterated that authorities must re-establish the network between the Jhelum river, wetlands, lakes, and streams to prevent future disasters. The Public Health Engineering, Irrigation, and Flood Control Department was specifically tasked with submitting its plan of action.

The matter has been adjourned for four weeks, with the High Court warning against further delays on such a sensitive issue of public safety.

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Source: Court proceedings, PIL submissions, and official reports

Labels: High Court, Flood Prevention, J&K, 2014 Floods, PIL

Tags: #JammuAndKashmir #HighCourt #FloodPrevention #2014Floods #Srinagar #ATR

Disclaimer: This article is based on High Court proceedings and PIL submissions. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for third-party claims.