Srinagar, September 16 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has sought the government’s response to concerns raised over the proposed construction of an industrial park in the flood-absorption basin at Nowgam in Srinagar.
A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhatti and Justice Rajnesh Oswal passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation concerning flood management in Kashmir.
The court, on September 15, took note of an affidavit submitted by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) on August 27, raising concerns over industrial development in an area designated for flood absorption.
The Bench has directed the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to file a response within one week. The matter has been posted for further consideration on October 29.
The issue was brought before the court by EPG General Council member Advocate Shafqat Nazir in connection with PIL No. 8/2017 and connected matters relating to flood management in the region.
According to the details placed before the court, the proposed Plug-and-Play Industrial Park at Nowgam is estimated to cost Rs 104.02 crore and is planned over approximately 50 acres.
The environmental group has questioned the suitability of establishing a permanent industrial estate in the flood-absorption zone, citing provisions of the Srinagar Master Plan–2035 and a decision of the erstwhile State Administrative Council.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The group has referred to the government’s 2019 decision approving the Master Plan, which included a direction restricting development and construction along the Pantha Chowk–Nowgam NH Bypass corridor, identified as part of the flood-absorption basin.
EPG has maintained that its objections are related to the proposed location of the industrial park and not to industrial growth, investment or employment generation.
It has raised concerns that permanent construction in the area could affect floodwater storage, drainage systems and the safety of infrastructure and nearby communities during heavy rainfall and flooding.
The group has also urged that the proposed site be examined in light of the Master Plan, historical flood patterns, hydrological conditions and the region’s broader flood-management requirements.
It has advocated the principle of avoiding any net reduction in flood-storage capacity before allowing irreversible construction in the area.
The government’s response is expected to place its position on the planning, environmental and hydrological aspects of the proposal before the court.
The matter will come up for further hearing on October 29.(KNS)