SRINAGAR: The government on Wednesday said that the construction of a road from Srinagar to Pahalgam via Khrew will reduce the distance by around 30 kilometres. However, the project remains subject to the availability of funds and forest clearance.
Replying to a question by Justice Hasnain Masoodi, the Minister for R&B stated that the construction of the road via Khrew Wahab Sahab Syedabad (Pastuna), Karmula Tral, Lehandajan, and Salar will significantly shorten the travel distance between Srinagar and Pahalgam.
He said that the road would open up new tourist destinations in the upper areas of Tral and create employment opportunities.
“The project consists of two parts: one from Wahab Sahab Khrew to Pastuna and the other from Bathnoor Karmula to Lehandajan Pahalgam,” he said, adding that “the DPR for the Pastuna to Wahab Sahab Khrew stretch (8 km) has been prepared at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 27 crore. The proposed road involves the acquisition of 108 kanals of forest land and the felling of 845 trees, which requires forest clearance. The project can proceed only after securing funds and obtaining the necessary clearance.”
He further stated that “the DPR for the Bathnoor Karmula to Lehandajan Pahalgam stretch amounts to approximately Rs 44.10 crore. However, the road passes through forest land, necessitating clearance from the Forest Department as it involves cutting down a large number of trees, including Kail and Deodar.” (KNO)
