HC asks PDA to consult experts for hotel renovations

The J&K High Court has directed the Pahalgam Development Authority to appoint and consult a technical expert for supervising the repair and renovation of any structure or hotels in and around the Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir.
These directions were issued on Monday by a division bench of Justice Mohamad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey following public interest litigation on Pahalgam. Earlier in October, the court in its directions had sad that no fresh construction should be allowed in Pahalgam, and if any renovation or repair of structures is required in permissible areas, it should be strictly in accordance with the master plan. As the matter came up for hearing today, the bench directed the Pahalgam Development Authority to consult and appoint a technical expert to supervise the repair or renovation of any structure in and around the resort.
Earlier, the job was entrusted to the Chief Town Planner, but due to his own engagements, the court today wanted the work to be handled by a technical expert.
The High Court also directed the authorities concerned to continue the drive for making Pahalgam polythene-free.