JAMMU, MARCH 30: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, Monday informed the House that the process for relaxation of buffer zone restrictions under Srinagar Master Plan-2035 for construction of SDH Hazartbal is ongoing and the matter is currently in General Administration Department (GAD) for its placement before the Council of Ministers.
The Minister, as per an official statement, stated this in reply to the Calling Attention Notice moved by Salman Sagar in the Legislative Assembly Monday.
She informed that the new hospital site of SDH Hazratbal falls within the 200-meter buffer zone of Dal Lake, requiring clearance from the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA).
She added that after pursuing the matter with the LCMA through GMC Srinagar, LCMA has advised the department to place a formal proposal before the Cabinet seeking relaxation of the 100-meter buffer restriction for this project.
The Minister said that, thereafter, the matter of relaxation of buffer zone restrictions under Srinagar Master Plan-2035 for construction of SDH Hazartbal, was taken up with the General Administration Department for its placement before the Council of Ministers. They advised the department to approach the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for legal opinion prior to the re-submission of the case file to GAD for placement before the Council Ministers. She added that the Law Department suggested proceeding with a draft Memo/Coordination note to be placed before the Council via GAD, after vetting by HUDD and departmental approval.
The Minister added that the matter was subsequently taken up with HUDD and based on their advice, revised draft memo has been prepared by incorporating the opinion. She added that the revised draft memorandum has been submitted to General Administration Department for consideration and placement before the Council of Ministers in the ensuing meeting.
