my uttarakhand news Bureau
Nainital, 5 Nov: The Uttarakhand High Court today pulled up district and departmental officials over alleged unauthorised construction of hotels and resorts in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), which stretches from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi, in violation of National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives. During the hearing, the division bench comprising Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Subhash Upadhyay summoned the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi and the officials from the Irrigation Department to appear in person.
During the hearing, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the records submitted before it and directed the officials to furnish a compliance report on its previous orders by 24 November.
It may be recalled that the court had earlier instructed the officials to submit a detailed report supported by drone videography to ascertain the extent of commercial construction within the ESZ. However, the report has not been submitted as yet. Additionally, the court had ordered a survey and videography of illegal constructions in the flood zone, which has also not been carried out so far. Granting additional time, the bench reiterated its directive for submission of the complete report before the stipulated date.
During the hearing, the court expressed its displeasure with the documentation presented and demanded strict compliance with its earlier instructions. The petitioner meanwhile argued that the State Government has failed to enforce the legislation meant for flood-prone areas, resulting in recurring flood-related disasters across the state. The petitioner urged that inspections be conducted within a fixed timeframe to minimise loss of life and property. Responding to this, the court asked the State Government to submit a report on the matter.
It may be recalled that the bench had previously sought a report on the implementation of NGT guidelines. The petitioner claimed that the government has been granting permission for camps, hotels, and resorts near riverbanks and glaciers to attract nature enthusiasts without conducting scientific surveys. It was emphasised that construction permissions must be preceded by thorough investigation to prevent loss during natural calamities. The government, in its defence, claimed that all permissions were granted following surveys. In response the court directed the government to submit and place on record a comprehensive survey report in this regard.
It may be recalled that the Himalayan Nagarik Drishti Manch has filed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL). It has alleged that large-scale construction has already taken place and continues along the riverbanks from Gangotri to Uttarkashi in violation of environmental norms. The petition further attributes repeated disasters in Uttarkashi to these violations and seeks a complete ban on construction in the affected areas along with immediate cessation of illegal activities.
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