Jammu and Kashmir High Court today put a blanket ban on constructions in and around the holy town of Katra, the base camp for the pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi, after noting that illegal constructions in the area was having an adverse impact on its environment.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Hasnain Massodi passed the above orders on a PIL seeking a ban on illegal constructions.
"A blanket order would be warranted in order to control the situation so that (the government) may identify the illegal as well as legal construction.
"Till next date of hearing, all construction activities in Municipal Area, Katra, including around the Railway Station, by all and sundry are stopped," stated the order passed on Thursday.
The Katra base camp caters to over one crore pilgrims who throng the cave shrine annually.
The court further directed senior officials of police, including the Jammu IGP and the SSP and SP, Katra, to ensure compliance with the order.
"If any information regarding violation of this order is received then the officers shall be responsible," the court said.
