The Jammu and Kashmir High Court in the case Court on Its Own Motion Vs UT of J&K & Ors observed and has granted approval for construction of temporary structures in and around Sonamarg, being the popular tourist destination, for the annual Amarnath Yatra.
The division bench comprising of Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi in the case observed and has stated that the temporary structures be demolished on completion of the Yatra wherein by restoring the earlier position in the field.
The court while taking note of the fact states that when the yatra is to commence from July 01 and it has been prayed by the learned counsel appearing for the respondent that in order to facilitate and to provide convenient provisions and facilities for the large number of pilgrims who are going to visit Amarnath, which is also being for the limited period of time, thus, the said court allow raising only temporary structures meant for the convenient transit of the Yatris/Pilgrims.
The court in the case observed and has modified its earlier order in terms of which it had directed for the blanket ban on constructions in the picturesque resort.
The court while considering the facts and circumstances of the case stated that since they [J&K Forest Department, and Department of Wildlife] are important stakeholders in the preservation of environment at Sonamarg, thus, they are directed to file their responses and submit their views in this PIL and if already submitted, they shall update the status of their response.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter related to the preservation of Sonamarg on July 17, 2023.