Environmental Policy Group (EPG) Raises Alarm Over Proposed Srinagar-Pahalgam Road Project
Srinagar, March 15: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has voiced its strong opposition to the proposed construction of a new road from Srinagar to Pahalgam via Khrew, citing grave environmental and ecological concerns. The project, according to the government, involves cutting down 845 trees and acquiring 108 kanals of forest land, which the group believes will have far-reaching consequences on the fragile ecosystem of the region.
Project Justification vs. Environmental Cost
The government has justified the new road project by emphasizing its potential to reduce travel distance by 30 kilometers compared to the existing routes connecting Srinagar and Pahalgam. However, the EPG contends that the environmental cost far outweighs the perceived benefits, particularly given the availability of two existing roads that already facilitate travel between these locations.
The group highlighted concerns around deforestation and the disruption of local biodiversity, warning that the proposed route could irreparably harm the delicate balance of flora and fauna that thrives in the region.
Impact of Tunneling and Seismic Risks
While tunneling has been proposed as a potential alternative to cutting through forest areas, the EPG raised significant concerns regarding its environmental and geological impact:
- Structural Weakening: Tunneling through mountains could destabilize rock structures, creating long-term vulnerabilities.
- Water Source Disruption: Excavation might disturb vital groundwater sources, which are critical to local ecosystems and communities.
- Seismic Vulnerability: As Kashmir falls under seismic zone 5, the region is at high risk of earthquakes. The EPG stressed the need for a comprehensive geographic and technical assessment to evaluate:
- Subsurface geological conditions, including fault lines and volcanic activity.
- Groundwater impacts and other potential hazards.
- The long-term implications of tunneling in an ecologically sensitive zone.
Citing the devastating consequences of poorly managed infrastructure projects in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the EPG urged the government to exercise caution and prioritize the safety of both the environment and local communities.
Threat to Wildlife and Natural Habitats
Another major concern flagged by the EPG is the proposed road’s proximity to the Notified Wildlife Sanctuary at Tral. The construction could:
- Destroy critical habitats essential to the region’s wildlife.
- Disrupt the natural water cycle, leading to a cascade of negative effects on both fauna and flora.
- Jeopardize the sanctuary’s role as a refuge for endangered and rare species.
The group emphasized that this sanctuary is vital not just for its ecological significance but also for the survival of multiple species that depend on the region’s undisturbed environment.
Tourism, Employment, and Sustainability
Proponents of the project have framed the road construction as a means to boost tourism and create employment in Kashmir. However, the EPG strongly argued that:
- Kashmir’s unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its natural beauty and ecological richness, which must be protected to sustain tourism in the long term.
- Overexploitation and environmental degradation will only erode the region’s attractiveness, thereby reducing its appeal to visitors.
- True employment and tourism growth can only be achieved by focusing on sustainable practices, rather than short-sighted infrastructure projects.
Call for Environmental Impact Assessment and Reevaluation
The EPG has called for an immediate halt to the Srinagar-Pahalgam road project, demanding a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) before any further action is taken. The group insists on exploring sustainable alternatives that align with conservation priorities, such as:
- Enhancing and maintaining the existing roads instead of creating new routes.
- Adopting eco-friendly tourism models that minimize the carbon footprint.
- Promoting conservation initiatives that benefit both local communities and the environment.
Additionally, the group highlighted the need for Supreme Court clearance, as the project would involve land within forested and ecologically sensitive areas.
EPG’s Appeal
The Environmental Policy Group firmly believes that short-term economic benefits cannot justify long-term ecological damage. The group has urged the government and stakeholders to consider:
- The irreplaceable value of Kashmir’s natural resources as the backbone of its tourism and cultural identity.
- The risks posed by ignoring environmental safeguards in a region already vulnerable to climate change and seismic activity.
- The importance of sustainable development that prioritizes preservation over exploitation.
“Kashmir’s mountains, forests, and wildlife are treasures that belong not just to the present generation, but to the future as well. We cannot afford to lose them in the name of infrastructure that benefits only a select few,” the EPG stated in its release.
Press Release
The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) expresses its deep concern on the proposed construction of a new road from Srinagar to Pahalgam via Khrew.
This project, which as per the Government, involves cutting down of 845 trees and acquisition of 108 kanals of forest land that come in it’s alignment, is bound to adversely affect the otherwise fragile environment of the region and ecology of the area through which it passes.
Though the justification for this road primarily centres around the reduction of travel distance by 30 kilometres in comparison to the already existing two roads that lead to Pahalgam, the cost on account of environmental impact due to deforestation and disruption of local biodiversity far outweigh any perceived benefits in terms of cost-benefit ratio.
With two existing roads already connecting Srinagar and Pahalgam, the necessity of this new route is not at all justified to be a pressing requirement.
Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of potential tunnelling to avoid the destruction to forest area as an alternate solution. Excavating tunnels through mountains are bound to weaken their rock structure and disrupt vital water sources besides having adverse effects on the ecology of the region comprising natural landscapes that serve as for communities and wildlife equally. _As Kashmir falls in seismic zone 5—an area characterised by a high risk of earthquakes—a thorough geographic technical assessment is essential before initiating any tunnelling projects, especially with active and dormant volcanic features. The assessment must address subsurface geological conditions to identify fault lines and volcanic activity, which are crucial for avoiding catastrophic failures. Evaluating the geo-hydraulic conditions will help in assessing groundwater impacts and potential hazards during construction. Given the challenging terrain and geological variability in the region, constructability considerations are vital. Additionally, the long-term environmental impact due to seismic activity must be analyzed, to ensure that local ecosystems are preserved.The Government is requested to keep under consideration the devastation and loss of life caused by such activities in Uttarakhand, Himachal etc.
Understanding land use restrictions is critical for compliance with regional laws and ongoing community developments.
Significantly, the proposed road is reported to pass through the Notified Wildlife Sanctuary at Tral, and will be detrimental to the wildlife, in the Sanctuary. The proposed route endangers essential habitats and affects the natural water cycle, which could result in detrimental impacts on both flora and fauna.
The construction of this road, framed as a means to boost tourism and create employment, must be reconsidered in light of the long-term ecological implications. Kashmir being a treasure trove of natural resources, and it’s only USP , can attract tourists only when these invaluable resources are protected , and that will also help in generating employment.
The Environmental Policy Group calls for putting a stop to the planning and development related to the Srinagar-Pahalgam road project until a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is conducted. We urge stakeholders to explore sustainable alternatives that prioritize conservation and protect our invaluable natural resources. The integrity of our mountains and forests should not be sacrificed for short-term economic gains. It is crucial to seek solutions that can enhance tourism and employment without compromising our environment.
It may be mentioned that the proposal for the construction of this road also needs clearance from the Supreme Court.
Faiz Ahmad Bakshi
Convenor
