NGT issues notice to J&K government over Handwara-Bangus road project

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the government of Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly violating environmental norms in the construction of the Handwara-Bangus road project in Kupwara district.

NGT notices Jammu & Kashmir

In the order, a copy of which Groundreport.in possesses, The NGT took cognizance of an application filed by Rasikh Rasool Bhat, a resident of Rajwar area, who claimed that the road project was causing severe damage to the forest, wildlife, and water resources of the region.

According to the order issued by the NGT’s principal bench in New Delhi, the applicant has raised the grievance that in the execution of the work on the Handwara-Bangus road project (state highway) at Rajwar Forest Area of Kupwara District of J&K, the environmental norms are being violated and extraction of gravel in the stream local Talri Nallah of Rajwar area is being done.

“It is alleged that the authorities have allowed extraction of gravel from a local stream (Bakiaker-Zachaldara) of Rajwar area of Kupwara district for utilization in construction of the road”, the order stated.

The applicant also alleged that more than 25,000 lush green forest trees were cut or uprooted and big mountains were blasted and more than 14 hectares of forest land was being used to construct the road.

“Further allegation is that none of the respondents have applied for the mandatory Environmental Clearance and no information in this regard is available in Parivesh Portal”, the order added.

The Parivesh Portal is a web-based platform for online submission and monitoring of environmental clearances for various projects and activities in India.

New road criticized, environmental impact

The applicant also questioned the rationale behind constructing a new road via Forest of Rajwar when the road for Bangus valley was already available via Rajwar. He claimed that this was impacting the overall environment in the Rajwar area and causing huge wastage of Indian taxpayers’ money under Central Road Fund (CRF).

He also accused the government of allowing extraction of minerals at Dhobi Ghat Zachaldara between the radius and distance of 400 meters of two vital bridges, while pressing heavy excavators deep more than 3 meters.

The NGT, headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and assisted by his expert members D.A Senthil Cel and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, observed that there are substantial issues related to the non-compliance of the environmental norms and directed the respondents to file their reply within four weeks.

The respondents include the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, the Jammu and Kashmir Public Works Department, and the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department.

The NGT also appointed Dr. S.K. Singh, former Director of the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, as the court commissioner to inspect the site and submit a factual report within six weeks.

Highway project connects Bangus valley

The Handwara-Bangus road project is a state highway that aims to connect the remote and scenic Bangus valley with the rest of the district and the state. The project was sanctioned in 2012 under the CRF and is expected to cost around Rs. 150 crore.

The project has been facing opposition from the residents and environmentalists, who have been demanding its cancellation or relocation, citing its adverse impact on the ecology and biodiversity of the area.

The Bangus valley, also known as the ‘mini Kashmir’, is a high-altitude meadow surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains. It is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Himalayan brown bear, the musk deer, and the Kashmir stag.

The valley is also a source of several streams and rivers that feed the Jhelum and the Kishanganga. The locals depend on the valley for grazing, agriculture, and tourism.

The next hearing of the case is scheduled for April 12, 2024.

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