(Tribune)
The quashing of the Doon master plan and ban on water sports by the Uttarakhand High Court have increased the discomfort of the government. Realising the negative impact the tourism industry will face due to the ban, Chief Minister TS Rawat had stated that his government was drafting a policy but how soon it would come out was still uncertain. On the other hand, government sources claim that the state is also planning to approach the double bench in some cases. Earlier, the government was ticked off by the High Court for the shoddy delimitation of urban local bodies. Along with quashing of the master plan of Doon, the High Court has also directed the government to take measures against stray dogs, removal of encroachments and action against officers allegedly involved in the solar-lighting project in Kedarnath.
Government spokesperson and Minister for Urban Development Madan Kaushik has said the situation will become clear soon. “We are holding discussions with the Department of Law. Wherever possible, the HC orders will be implemented, but we will also seek redress in certain cases,” he said. Those engaged in water sports business are awaiting some relief from the government so that their businesses could pick up pace in the remaining tourist season.
