Demolish unauthorised constructions in Kasauli hotels: SC

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the demolition of unauthorised constructions at several hotels and resorts built in violation of sanctioned plans in Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh.

Observing that the hotel owners cannot put the life of people in danger for making money, a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta said: "First demolish it (unauthorised constructions).

"You (hotel owners) admitted that there is unauthorised construction. Everything you have done is wrong. There was landslide in your premises.You are putting the lives of people in danger just for the money."

The bench took note that some hotels and resorts were supposed to construct only two-storeyed buildings but built six-storeyed buildings.

"Either you demolish it or we will ask authorities to demolish it. Choice is yours," said the bench and ordered the authorities concerned to act on it.

The top court's order came on pleas filed by owners of several hotels, resorts and guest houses in Kasauli which had challenged the National Green Tribunal (NGT) May 30, 2017 order.

The NGT had directed the demolition of unauthorised portions of the hotels in Kasauli that were built in violation of sanctioned plans, adversely affecting the environment, ecology and natural resources.

The hotels included Hotel Pine View, Narayani Guest House, Bird's View Resort, Hotel Neelgiri, Hotel Divshikha and Guest House.

--IANS

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