Jammu & Kashmir High Court Initiates Proceedings To Scrutinize Allegations Of Encroachment, Ecological Threats in Ladakh

The court had earlier received a letter under the subject “Save Ladakh's Environment, Ecology and Land from Encroachers and Resolve the Boundary Dispute between District Kargil (UT Ladakh) and District Ganderbal (UT J&K)” from Abdul Wahid, Councillor of Bhimbet Constituency, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, expressing concern over the safety of Ladakh's environment and ecology.

The letter alleged that residents of Ganderbal have encroached upon Ladakh's land under the pretext of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) dividing the snow area land into equal proportions, which purportedly endangers the region's flora and fauna.

Additionally, the letter highlighted the issue of traffic regulations that seem to favour tourists and heavy vehicles over the local population, causing suffering to the residents of Ladakh.

Recognizing the serious concerns raised about the safety of Ladakh's environment and the alleged land encroachment, the court decided to treat the letter as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

In light of these grievances, the court directed the impleadment of several key administrative and police officials from both Ladakh and Kashmir as respondents.

The respondents include the Chief Secretary/Advisor UT Administration of Ladakh, Principal Secretary to the Forest Department, UT of Ladakh, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Additional Director General of Police, UT of Ladakh, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, and Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal.

The registry was instructed to draw a memo of parties and issue notices to the respondents. Ms. Rehana Qayoom, Advocate, appearing vice Mr. T. M. Shamsi, DSGI, accepted notice on behalf of the administration of the UT of Ladakh and Mr Illyas Nazir Laway, GA, accepted notice on behalf of the UT of J&K, seeking time to file their responses.

The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on 28th August 2024.

Case Title: Abdul Wahid Councillor Bhimbet Vs Union Territory of Ladakh and another.

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