Complete 4-laning of Qazigund-Srinagar stretch by July 31, 2016: HC tells NHAI
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed National Highway Authority of India to complete the four laning of the highway from Qazigund to Srinagar by July 31, 2016.
“The Authority must put to work the manpower and machinery to achieve the target within the time frame. No reason or cause will be accepted in delaying the completion of the four laning by 31 July 2016,” a division bench of Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar and Justice Ali Muhammad Magrey said in its order, while making it clear that the Authority will not be allowed to extend deadline for the completion of the work.
The direction followed after a status report filed by R P Singh, General Manager (Tech), Project Director, J&K National Highways Authority of India informed the court that Qazigund-Srinagar four laning will be now complete by 31st July, 2016, subject to handing over of land by revenue authorities.
The Authority submitted that the project could not be completed within earlier scheduled deadline of 26 June, 2014, because of delay in land acquisition, due to structures and trees and delay in approval of utility shifting estimates.
The NHAI also pleaded that execution of work from Qazigund to Pampore is in full swing saying in Lasjan area the possession of land has not been handed over by revenue authorities.
The court directed Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to ensure handing over of the acquired land to the NHAI within two weeks and file compliance report in this behalf before the next date of hearing.
Following the submission by Amicus Curie Jawad Reshi, the court directed Chairman NHAI to file fresh status report about the macadamization work of Qazigund-Srinagar road by the next date of hearing.
Regarding the steps taken for allowing installation of Auto LPG Dispensing Outlets in Kashmir Valley, the court asked S A Makroo, ASGI, to inform advocate Anil Bhan, representing Indian Oil Corporation, as also the authorities of the Corporation to file response before the next date in terms of the court direction dated 08.07.2014.
Earlier in its order, the court had granted four weeks to IOC to inform it about the steps taken for allowing installation of Auto LPG Dispensing Outlets in Kashmir Valley.
