Srinagar, May 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a high-level committee to frame a comprehensive policy for the repair, renovation, and reconstruction of buildings and houses situated within 200 meters of the Dal Lake that were legitimately constructed prior to the High Court’s construction ban imposed on July 19, 2002.
According to Government Order No. 585-JK(GAD) of 2025 issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), the committee comprises senior officials and domain experts to address the longstanding issue concerning the properties around the ecologically sensitive Dal Lake.
The committee will be chaired by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and includes members such as the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner SMC, Vice Chairpersons of LCMA and SDA, Director Tourism Kashmir, Member Secretary of Pollution Control Committee (PCC), Chief Engineer UEED, Chief Town Planner Kashmir, a Head of Department from the University of Kashmir (with relevance in Environmental Sciences), and a representative from the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing. The committee may also co-opt additional members as needed.
As per the terms and references notified, the Committee shall lay down the norms/eligibility conditions for declaring a building to have been constructed legitimately, prior to imposition of ban by the Hon’ble High Court.
The Committee shall lay down th norms for granting permissions by the BOCA-LCMA for carrying out repair/renovation/reconstruction of the legitimately constructed buildings within 200 meters of the Dal/Nigeen Lakes, prior to imposition of ban on 19.07.2002.
The Committee shall prescribe norms to be followed by the buildings granted permission for repair/renovation/reconstruction for ensuring scientific and proper waste disposal.
The Committee shall suggest measures for sustainable construction using alternate technologies in order to make the construction process lake friendly.
The Committee shall suggest norms for maintain aesthetic and heritage pattern.
As pre the order, further any other suggestion as deemed appropriate by the Committee.
