Dehradun, Nov 3 (PTI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called on Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi on Tuesday evening and discussed the proposal to relocate the Uttarakhand High Court from Nainital to Haldwani.
He raised the issue of the transfer and diversion of reserved forest land required for the construction of a permanent high court complex in the Lamachaur area of Haldwani during the meeting, according to an official statement.
The chief minister informed the Union minister that the existing high court complex in Nainital — situated at the foothills of China Peak — faces several challenges, including the risk of landslides, traffic congestion and a high volume of tourist movement.
The state government said that with Nainital being a major tourist destination as well, it experiences a constant influx of tourists and litigants throughout the year, which adversely affects accessibility and parking arrangements at the court complex.
It is essential to develop modern judicial infrastructure that aligns with future requirements, it said.
“The state government is committed to making the judicial system in the state more robust, modern and convenient. The proposed site in the Lamachaur area of Haldwani enjoys excellent connectivity to roads and national highways. Establishing a permanent high court complex here would provide the necessary infrastructure for the expansion of judicial operations, while also offering improved accessibility and other essential amenities for judges, advocates, litigants and the general public,” Dhami said, according to the statement.
He further said the state government is prioritising the necessary procedures for the construction of the permanent high court complex and is maintaining continuous coordination with the Government of India and relevant departments.
Referring to an order passed by the Supreme Court, the chief minister emphasised the need to ensure the provision of land for the new high court building, as well as the timely handover and formal transfer of the site within the stipulated timeframe.
Dhami requested the Union minister to take prompt and necessary action regarding the proposal for the transfer and diversion of reserved forest land in the Lamachaur area of Haldwani. He said a modern and permanent complex for the high court would not only strengthen the state’s judicial infrastructure but also play a crucial role in making judicial services more accessible, well-organised and effective.
Yadav assured the chief minister that positive and proactive action would be taken on the proposal submitted by him, the statement added. PTI SPY PRK
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