High Court wants one-design fencing for Gulmarg properties

Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 12

In order to enhance the appeal and attractiveness of the Gulmarg resort, known for its lush green meadows and alpine snow-clad slopes to tourists worldwide, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court seeks “one-design” outer fencing for all properties, including hotels, restaurants, tourism huts and other buildings.

Hearing a PIL seeking court’s intervention for safeguarding eco-sensitive areas of Gulmarg and Tangmarg from illegal constructions, a division Bench of the High Court has asked the J&K Tourism Department to ensure that the design of ornamental fencing, which will have universal applicability, is prepared within four weeks, following which the approved design is to be raised by all property holders at Gulmarg.

The court in its orders, made available today, has made it clear that “raising of fencing of more than one design shall not be permitted” by the authorities concerned in Gulmarg.

In his affidavit, the Commissioner Secretary Tourism Department has informed that the Baramulla Deputy Commissioner has already been asked to demarcate the land of the 84 lessees (lease holders) in Gulmarg, adding that the Chief Town Planner, Kashmir, has been requested to provide one or three designs of ornamental fencing which should be befitting and matching natural environs of Gulmarg.

With the government revealing total area of Gulmarg as 15,949 kanals and 13 marlas, out of which 15 per cent (2,435 kanals) is built-up area, the court has asked the government to “protect and preserve” the un-built area, barring it from raising any constructions on this area.