Two private members' resolutions on demolition of unauthorised structures at tourist places and grant of monthly financial assistance for disabled people were today discussed in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly before being subsequently withdrawn.
PDP member Rafi Ahmad Mir moved a resolution demanding demolition of all unauthorised structures at Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, including those on the road to these tourist spots. The amendments to the resolution were moved by Nizzam- ud-Din Bhat, Choudhary Zulfkar Ali and Abdul Haq Khan.
Mir said that the matter involved questions of environment and its goal was to conserve the world famous tourist resorts. He appealed to the entire House to support the resolution.
MY Tarigami said that the House should adopt the resolution to curb illegal construction in and around tourist resorts. The guidelines of Master Plans are violated at various tourist resorts, he added.
However, opposing the resolution, Tourism Minister GA Mir said that there are sufficient provisions under law to deal with the illegal and unauthorised constructions.
The government is committed to ensuring the implementation of these laws, he said, adding that the state would take all possible steps to ensure that the matter of illegal constructions at tourist spots were dealt with strictly.
He averred that the said resolution may interfere with the execution of the relevant provisions of the statutes and also with the process of adjudication going on before high court.
In view of the above, he urged the member to withdraw the resolution.
Upon receiving the reply from the minister, the mover and the members withdrew the resolution and the amendments thereto, which the Speaker allowed.
Meanwhile, another resolution asking that government enhance the monthly financial assistance for old age persons, widows and disabled persons under social welfare schemes, was moved by Tarigami with Syed Bashir Ahmed, Ch Zulfikar Ali and Abdul Haq Khan moving amendments to the same.
