SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has urged Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to retain the proposed NH-701A alignment through Beerwah town instead of constructing a bypass, citing public, economic and environmental concerns.
In a letter dated July 8, addressed to the Union Minister, Mufti said she was raising the issue following a representation submitted by a delegation comprising members of the Beerwah Civil Society, Trade Federation, Transport Association, market associations and other stakeholders.
She stated that Beerwah serves as the commercial and administrative hub of central Kashmir, catering to thousands of residents from adjoining villages. According to the letter, the existing road provides access to the Sub-District Hospital, educational institutions, government offices, banks, markets and other essential public services.
Mufti said constructing a bypass would divert economic activity away from the town and adversely affect the livelihoods of more than 2,000 families dependent on businesses along the existing road corridor.
She further argued that upgrading the present alignment would strengthen connectivity with Srinagar, the Ring Road and the airport, while minimising the acquisition of fertile agricultural land, protecting orchards and reducing displacement.
Seeking the Union Minister’s intervention, Mufti requested that the concerned authorities be directed to retain the NH-701A alignment through Beerwah, saying such a decision would promote inclusive and sustainable development while benefiting the local population.
According to the PDP, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured a positive intervention on the matter.
