Jammu & Kashmir And Ladakh High Court Allows Raising Of Temporary Structures In Sonamarg For Amarnath Yatra

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has granted approval for construction of temporary structures in and around Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination, for the annual Amarnath Yatra.

A division bench of Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi said the temporary structures be demolished on completion of the Yatra by restoring the earlier position in the field.

Taking note of the fact that the yatra is to commence from July 01, the court said: “In order to facilitate and provide convenient provisions and facilities for the large number of pilgrims who are going to visit Amarnath, which is also for a limited period, as prayed for by learned counsel for the respondent, we allow raising only temporary structures meant for the convenient transit of the Yatris/Pilgrims”

The court modified its earlier order in terms of which it had directed a blanket ban on constructions in the picturesque resort.

While listing the matter related to preservation of Sonamarg on July 17, the court said:

"We are also of the view that since they [J&K Forest Department, and Department of Wildlife] are important stakeholders in the preservation of environment at Sonamarg, they are directed to file their responses and submit their views in this PIL and if already submitted, they shall update the status of their response”.

Case Title: Court on Its Own Motion Vs UT of J&K & Ors

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