Cabinet Decision No. 107/09

July 1, 2008
Cabinet Decision No. 107/09 

Subject: Diversion of 39.88 ha of forest land to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board at Baltal and Domail for raising Building/Structures in Sindh Forest Division.

The Cabinet took note of the recent correspondence exchanged between HE the Governor, J&K (Chairman, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board) and Hon’ble Chief Minister, J&K on the issue of diversion of forest land measuring 39.88 ha falling under compartment NO: 63a/Sindh, in Block Kullan, Range Sindh, Sindh Forest Division for raising pre-fabricated structures only for camping purposes of pilgrims, without going in for construction of permanent structures, at Baltal amd Domail by Shri Amarnarthji Shrine Board.

The Cabinet, in particular, noted the following excerpt forming a part of HE the Governor’s D.O. letter dated the 29th June, 2008 addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister:

"In view of the State Government’s firm commitment that the requirements and interests of the Yatris will be fully ensured and protected, the SASB does not need to pursue its earlier request for forest land being diverted for creating the required temporary facilities for the Yatries by the Board."

In the above context, following decisions were taken:

Government Order No: 184-FST of 2008 dated 26.05.2008 vide which 39.88 ha of forest land was diverted to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board at Baltal and Domail is hereby cancelled.

Recognising the capacity and capability of the State Government, reiterated its full commitment to discharge all the responsibilities of undertaking the creation of required infrastructure and providing full logistical support for making available various services with a view to fully ensuring and facilitating the welfare, safety and security of the pilgrims during the entire period of Yatra. For this purpose, land would be made available to the Tourism Department, as per requirement, at various locations from Jammu onwards to the Holy Cave via Baltal-Domail as well as Pahalgam Yatra routes.

It was emphasised that the State Government is fully committed not to interfere in the religious affairs of the Shrine Amarnathji Shrine Board.

The Tourism Department is directed to make adequate provisions in annual budgets, keeping in view the ever increasing number of Yatris, so that not only are the existing facilities for pilgrims properly maintained but also that these are upgraded further from year to year.

Secretary to the Cabinet
Principal Secretary to Govt., Forest Department 
Commissioner/Secretary to Govt., General Administration Dept.
Secretary to Government, Tourism Department.