SYED TAHIR IQBAL GEELANI Vs. STATE OF J&K

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Instant application has been filed by Divisional Forest Officer, Urban Forestry, Srinagar, seeking direction so as to command Chairman, J &K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), Srinagar, to take decision on the application filed before the said Authority seeking permission to allow construction of guard hut, breast wall, concrete path with tile floor, store shed and fixing of angle iron/flat iron with chain link fencing in concrete foundation at several places including at forest nursery Kralsangri S. Park and Shankarachariya hills.

(2.) In the Public Interest Litigation, as is pending, number of directions have been issued which include a prohibition regarding construction to be carried on in and around Dal Lake as the same has been declared as no construction zone.

(3.) In the application it has been stated that Shankerachariya hills are located at the heart of the city, supports several important species of biodiversity essence and is also a very rich forest. The said forests always are exposed to forest fires due to lot of dry grasses in the autumn season. The area also remains under constant threat from wild life, therefore, the Forest Department wants to install chain link fencing, store shed and to construct hut so that any mishap can be avoided. The permission is necessary for safety and security of the area.