The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has sought a comprehensive update on the progress of a public interest litigation that has remained on its docket for nearly 24 years, underscoring the long-running judicial effort to safeguard Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake.
Hearing the matter, a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani observed that the case, instituted in 2002, has witnessed numerous developments over the years, with the Court issuing several directions aimed at improving and preserving the lake’s ecological health.
Recognising the need for a consolidated understanding of the litigation’s journey, the Bench asked the court-appointed amicus curiae to prepare a concise factual report outlining the major developments, compliance with earlier directions, and the issues that still require judicial attention.
The Court noted that the proceedings have continued for over two decades and that multiple orders have been passed from time to time to address concerns surrounding the condition of Dal Lake. To assess the present stage of the matter effectively, it considered it necessary to obtain an updated overview.
Accordingly, Senior Advocate Z.A. Shah, serving as amicus curiae, has been requested to submit the factual note before August 31. The Bench said the report should provide a complete perspective on how the litigation has progressed since its inception and identify the steps that remain to be taken for the lake’s protection and restoration.
The PIL was originally filed by Syed Iqbal Tahir Geelani, seeking judicial intervention for the conservation and revival of Dal Lake, one of Kashmir’s most significant water bodies and a key environmental and cultural landmark.
The matter will be taken up after the amicus curiae places the factual report on record.
