The High Court on Tuesday asked the government to inform the court as to when and where the rehabilitation of Dal dwellers will take place.
While hearing a Public Interest Litigation seekingConservation of Dal Lake, division bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal andJustice Tashi Rabstan observed that “unless and until proper facilities are notin place, the rehabilitation process cannot be initiated”.
The court observed that for rehabilitation of the dwellerssetting up of schools, availability of proper medical facilities, better roadsand all other allied facilities are to be given to them.
The court directed the LAWDA to file a report to attest themanner and method by which rehabilitation process of Dal dwellers can becarried out.
Seeking proper timeline to carry out the rehabilitationprocess, the court directed LAWDA to identify displaced dwellers and thereafterfind proper place for their rehabilitation with all the required facilities.
Moreover, the court asked LAWDA to ensure a complete roadmapis made out on rehabilitation process and same be examined by the Committee ofExperts for their views and suggestions.
Meanwhile, court granted a week to the houseboat owners tofurnish valid documents before competent authorities.
The direction came after advocate Sheikh Mushtaq on behalfof the houseboat owners submitted that most houseboat owners have validlicences. He however submitted that action should be taken against those whoare running houseboats illegally.
With regard to functioning of hoteliers around Dal Lake, thecourt directed State Pollution Control Board to act strictly against theestablishments which are lacking STPs and discharging untreated sewage into thewater body.” File action taken report within three weeks”. The court also directed that Solid WasteManagement bylaws be notified through local bodies.