As a new spate of activity seems to take hold in both Jammu and Kashmir regions on the recent Supreme Court interim directions to J&K government on Amarnath yatra facilities it is extremely important for the stakeholders to pause and reflect on the repercussions of a showdown. There are arguments and counter arguments. Concerned citizens, irrespective of religious beliefs, can argue for or against the anticipated civil constructions in the area, however, it is highly important that no efforts are made to communalize or politicize the issue. All the stakeholders must approach this issue with utmost responsibility and caution. The fundamental concern related to the contentious issue of building civil infrastructure in the fragile Himalayan areas of Pahalgam and Sonamarg leading to Amarnath cave is environmental. The principles of natural justice demand that the yardsticks of environmental conservation and preservation adopted by the judicial system with relation to other such activities in similar geographical settings be applied in this matter too. The high-powered committee formed by the Supreme Court to recommend ways and means to safeguard human lives and protect environment in the conduct of the annual Amarnath yatra is expected to take an objective and rational approach. That approach while taking care of the religious sentiments of the pilgrims must also strike a balance with the requirements of the national and state laws for the conservation of ecology and environment. It is possible that the final recommendations of the committee formed by the Supreme Court are not in line with the expectations of a particular interest group. The best way for a process of judicial review is engagement with the judiciary itself as it takes the final decisions in the matters pertaining to environment, wildlife and forests in the country.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 24 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 25 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST