‘108 Kanal of forest land’: Govt. plans new Srinagar-Pahalgam road via Khrew

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 while the construction of this road is subjected to the availability of funds and forest clearance

Replying to a question of Justice Hasnain Masoodi, Minister for R&B  said that construction of road from Srinagar to Pahalgam via Khrew Wahab Sahab Syedabad (Pastuna), Karmula Tral, Lehandajan and Salar will reduce the distance between Srinagar to Pahalgam approx by 30 Kms.

He said that the construction of the road will explore new tourist destinations in upper areas of Tral and can also generate employment avenues.

“The road consists of two parts, one is Wahab Sahab Khrew to Pastuna and 2nd part is Bathnoor Karmula to Lehendajen Pahlagam,” he said, adding that “DPR of road from Pastuna to Wahab Sahab Khrew (length 8 kms) has been prepared for an amount of Rs 27 Cr approx. The proposed road involves acquisition of forest land measuring 108 kanals and felling of 845 trees, which needs forest clearance. The road can be taken up subject to the availability of funds and forest clearance.”

“DPR amounting to Rs 44.10 Cr approx. has been prepared. However, the road requires clearance from the Forest Department as the proposed road passes through forest land which involves cutting down of large number of trees (Kail/Deodar),” the minister said—(KNO)