Plea alleging deteriorating condition in Kufri: HP HC issues

The Himachal Pradesh High Court today issued notice to Special Area Development Authority, Kufri (Shimla) on the issue of lawlessness and deteriorating condition prevailing in the famous tourist spot.
The court also directed Amicus Curiae N K Thakur (advocate) to file suggestion in this matter within three weeks and made it clear that it may inspect the spot and directed all the officers concerned to remain present on the spot during the inspection.
The matter will be now be heard on December 5.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan passed these orders on a petition taken up suo moto by the court as public interest litigation on a letter written to the Chief Justice by Rakesh Mehta, a resident of Kufri.

The petitioner has alleged condition of Kufri was deteriorating day by day.
A large amount of money from the public exchequer is being spent on the development of tourism activities in this area by the government through department of Tourism and Special Area Development Authority.

There are large number of horse in the area which litters all the roads, paths and public places with horse dung, the petition alleged.
Most of these horses are being plied by minors and people who indulge in oral and physical abuse of tourists and local inhabitants.
Despite this fact being in knowledge of the district administration, no concrete steps are being taken to restrict the number of these horses, the petitioner further alleged and prayed for issuing necessary directions to the district and police administration to check the menace.