The Biz Reporter
: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has conveyed environmental and safety concerns over the proposed hill-cutting, major excavation and blasting works on the Watlab–Baba Shakoor-Ud-Din road in Sopore, urging the Public Works (R&B) Department to keep such activities in abeyance pending detailed geological, geotechnical, forest and environmental assessments.
The Group conveyed its concerns in a communication addressed to the Commissioner/Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department, after receiving a representation from concerned residents of Watlab regarding the work 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 EPG said it supports the residents’ concerns, particularly in view of the substantial excavation proposed under the project, including excavation in hard rock requiring blasting.
It said such activity on steep and forested slopes, with residential houses located close to the road, could remove natural supporting material and alter the slope profile, potentially increasing the risk of erosion, slope failure and landslides, particularly during heavy rainfall.
The Group also raised concerns over vibrations from heavy machinery and blasting and their possible impact on nearby residential structures, agricultural land and the local population.
The EPG further pointed to the presence of dense forest cover in the area and sought verification of whether the requisite forest and environmental clearances are in place for activities involving tree removal, excavation, non-forest use or blasting.
The Group clarified that it does not oppose road connectivity or development, but said irreversible cutting and blasting in an ecologically sensitive hill area should not proceed before its safety and environmental implications have been properly assessed.
The EPG has requested that hill-cutting, major excavation, blasting and road-widening activities be kept in abeyance until a detailed geological and geotechnical slope-stability assessment is completed by the competent technical authority.
It has also sought a joint site inspection by the R&B, Forest, Geology & Mining and Revenue Departments and disaster-management authorities, with representatives of local residents associated with the exercise.
The Group has further urged that the design and construction methodology be revised, if necessary, to prioritise slope-protective measures over deep cutting and blasting.
The EPG has requested that the outcome of the inspection and assessments be communicated to the Group and the affected residents in writing within 15 days.
The Group has conveyed its willingness to provide technical inputs and accompany the inspection team during the proposed site assessment
