Bilar Dar
Srinagar, Oct 04 ; The Environmental Policy Group (EPG), an enviro-social think tank, has urged the Public Works (R&B) Department to immediately suspend hill-cutting, major excavation and blasting work on the Watlab–Baba Shakoor-Ud-Din road in Sopore, citing serious environmental and safety concerns.
In a communication to the Commissioner/Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department accessed The Web Story/The Varmul Post the EPG said it had received a representation from concerned residents of Watlab regarding the project titled “Upgradation of Road Watlab–Baba Shakoor-Ud-Din by way of Construction of R/B Wall and Crate Protection Works at Different Spots.”
The Group said the Bill of Quantities provides for substantial excavation by hydraulic excavators, including excavation in hard rock requiring blasting.
Warning of the possible consequences, the EPG said such activity on steep, forested slopes with houses close to the road could remove natural supporting material and alter the slope profile, raising the risk of erosion, slope failure and landslides, especially during heavy rainfall.
It also expressed concern that the slopes and nearby structures could be subjected to vibration from heavy machinery and blasting, endangering residential houses, agricultural land and the local population.
The Group further pointed to the dense forest cover in the area and sought verification of whether forest and environmental clearances are in place for tree removal, non-forest use, excavation or blasting.
Making its position clear, the EPG said it does not oppose road connectivity or development, but stressed that irreversible cutting and blasting in an ecologically sensitive hill area should not proceed before its safety has been established.
The Group has demanded that hill-cutting, major excavation, blasting and road-widening activities be kept in abeyance until the assessments are complete.
It has sought a detailed geological and geotechnical slope-stability assessment by the competent technical authority, and verification by the Forest Department of all forest and environmental clearances.
The EPG has also urged a joint site inspection by the R&B, Forest, Geology & Mining and Revenue Departments and disaster-management authorities, with local residents’ representatives associated with the exercise.
It has asked that the design and method of work be revised, if required, to favour slope-protective measures over deep cutting and blasting, and that the outcome be communicated to the Group and residents in writing.
The Group has sought a reply within 15 days and expressed its willingness to assist with technical inputs or accompany the inspection team.
