Srinagar: In a significant development, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh today issued a directive, imposing restrictions on the construction of concrete structures in the Bangus Valley. According to information made available to Ziraat Times, the order was passed during a hearing of the case WP(C)PIL 2/2023, where petitioner Mohammad Umar Mir, represented by Sheikh Manzoor, Advocate, raised concerns about unauthorized constructions in this ecologically sensitive area.
The case was heard by the acting Chief Justice, Tashi Rabstan, and Justice Rajnesh Oswal. The court issued notices to the respondents, including the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, represented by Syed Musaib, Deputy Advocate General, who accepted the notice on behalf of the respondents. The Deputy AG requested and was granted four weeks to file a response.
The case has been scheduled for the next hearing on September 11, 2024. In the interim, the court has specifically directed respondent No. 3, along with other respondents, to halt any ongoing or planned concrete constructions in the Bangus Valley without obtaining prior permission from the court.
Ecological concerns and legal context
Bangus Valley, known for its pristine natural beauty and rich biodiversity, has been under threat from unauthorized constructions without any aesthetic, environmental and cultural sensitivity. Environmental activists and concerned citizens have repeatedly highlighted the potential ecological damage such activities can cause. The valley is home to various rare and endangered species, and unchecked construction could lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and severe ecological imbalance.
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