Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi to discuss proposals related to the construction of a permanent campus for the Uttarakhand High Court. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on matters concerning the transfer of reserved forest land proposed for the campus in the Lamachaur area of Haldwani and permission for the use of forest land. The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to take expeditious action on the proposal.
The Chief Minister explained that because the existing High Court campus in Nainital is situated at the foothills of China Peak, it faces challenges such as landslide vulnerabilities, mounting traffic pressure, and tourist movement. Being a major tourist destination, Nainital witnesses a constant influx of tourists and litigants year-round, which impacts traffic and parking arrangements within the court premises.
Dhami stated that given these circumstances, developing modern judicial infrastructure in alignment with future requirements is essential. The proposed site in the Lamachaur area of Haldwani enjoys better connectivity via roads and national highways. Establishing a permanent campus here will allow the development of necessary facilities for expanding judicial functions, benefiting judges, advocates, litigants, and citizens alike with improved commuting and other amenities.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government is prioritizing necessary procedures to make the judicial system more modern and convenient, coordinating with the central government and concerned departments in this regard.
Citing a Supreme Court order, he noted that pursuant to it, land must be made available for constructing the High Court’s new building, and its possession and transfer must be ensured within a stipulated timeframe. The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to expedite action on the proposal related to the transfer and use permit of reserved forest land in the Lamachaur area.
Dhami stated that a modern and permanent High Court campus will strengthen the state’s judicial infrastructure and play a crucial role in making judicial services more accessible, streamlined, and effective.
