The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court recently sought a report from the government regarding its action plan for facilitating tourists and managing the upcoming Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
A bench comprising of Chief Justice Kotiswar Singh and Justice Moksha Kazmi Khajuria sought the reply in a PIL aimed at preserving the Sonamarg resort.
During the hearing, government attorney Illyas Laway told the court that the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Sonamarg has formed a committee to create a detailed blueprint. This blueprint will address both the resort’s development and the upcoming Yatra.
Additional Development Commissioner, Ganderbal (Chairman), Chief Executive Officer, Sonmarg Development Authority (Member Secretary), Executive Engineer, Sonmarg Development Authority (Member), Tourist Officer Sonamarg (Member), and representatives from the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Sonamarg comprise the committee.
Laway also stated that the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing the committee with an overview of TDA Sonamarg. The committee will identify the scope of work, objectives, and timetables, as well as solicit feedback from the public and stakeholders to ensure that their demands are reflected in the blueprint.
Once completed, the committee will examine and finalise the blueprint, ensuring that it is in line with TDA Sonamarg’s goals and objectives. The committee has been urged to complete and finalise the blueprint within a week so that it may be presented before the High Court.
Laway further advised that the government consider allowing pilgrims to travel to the holy cave via the Sonamarg-Baltal route in order to relieve pressure on the Pahalgam-holy cave route.
The court previously ordered that all development operations in the Sonamarg area follow the 2005-2025 Master Plan until the new Master Plan is finalised and made public.
After reviewing the affidavit filed by the Chief Executive Officer of SDA, the court sought an action plan for development works around the resort. The court had also asked for new affidavits from Kashmir’s CEO and Chief Town Planner outlining the procedures taken to finalise the 2025-2040 Master Plan.
The court further stated that no construction or repairs should take place in the Sonamarg Development Area until building license is obtained by the BOCA, Sonamarg, and is approved by the court.
The matter has been scheduled for listing on Monday, May 22, to allow the government counsel to obtain instructions from the authorities and report back to the court.
