Finally, Tosamaidan lease expires today
Sub-panel to identify alternate firing range for Army
SPOTLIGHT
UMER MAQBOOL
# Greater Kashmir
Srinagar, Apr 17: The lease to Army to use the Tosamaidan meadow in central Kashmir’s Budgam district as its firing range is finally ending Friday. While all eyes on the government’s final take on the issue, it is set to constitute to a panel to look for an alternate firing range site for the Army.
Informed sources told Greater Kashmir that the government will shortly issue formal orders for setting up the sub-committee to find an alternate location for Army in lieu of Tosamaidan. Headed by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, the Director Tourism and Chief Conservator of Forests would be members of the panel.
On Wednesday, the previously constituted high-powered committee tasked the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to identify a suitable alternate location for shifting of Tosamaidan firing range.
As already reported by this newspaper, Army has agreed to explore alternate options to shift its firing range from Tosamaidan.
The controversy surrounding the meadow has assumed a centre-stage in Kashmir as locals are opposing the Army’s demand for re-notification of the meadow as the firing range till 2034.
Of late, mainstream and separatist groups too have voiced opposition to the extension of the lease in favour of Army. The meadow is being used by Army and the Air Force for artillery exercises since 1964.
Sources also disclosed that the sub-panel, once constituted, will undertake inspection of all the sites proposed by the Army, before submitting its report to the high-powered committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
“The sub-committee is likely to submit its report to the government in June,” they said, adding the panel headed by CS will meet after the sub-panel finalizes its recommendations.
