Srinagar, Nov 18: High Court of J&K and Ladakh has closed a Public Interest Litigation ( PIL) against setting up of a Gas Insulated sub-station (GIS) at Haripora Harwan here.
The PIL filed by Inhabitants of New Theed was seeking direction against setting of the 220/33 KV Gas Insulated Sub-Station (GIS) at Haripora as the same would be very close to the Dachigam National Park and would adversely affect its environment.
Besides, their contention was that GIS’s establishment was by of encroachment upon the State land.
In its response to the PIL, the Government had stated that the Dachigam National Park is very far from the GIS and the same would not be affected in any manner by establishment of the GIS sub-station.
The government also said that GIS sub-station was being established on State land which was transferred to the J&K Power Development Corporation and as such there was no encroachment on any land.
“The establishment of the Gas Insulated sub-station is in larger public interest and its construction/ operation is not to be hampered or obstructed on mere allegation that it is likely to affect the environment of the wild life,” a division bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Mohan Lal said
Pointing out that there was no specific allegation as to how it would adversely affect the environment and would have an impact upon the wildlife, the bench said: “We find no substance in this petition and the same is directed to be closed.”