A new road along the right bank of the Marusudar river has been proposed to provide alternative connectivity to several villages in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. Officials reported that the existing road link is expected to be affected by the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Power Project (HEPP) once the reservoir is completed.

Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma chaired a meeting to review the proposal and to discuss technical and administrative issues. The discussion concentrated on the habitations of Khraipakhnoo, Tunder and Prangus in Tehsil Dachan, which fall in the vicinity of the proposed reservoir.

The new road connectivity project for Tunder and Prangus has been placed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) phase four. Officials held detailed talks on route alignment, technical feasibility and implementation timelines. They also reviewed the status of existing links and the requirements of the affected villages.

The deputy commissioner directed the preparation of a detailed project report for an additional road stretch leading to Khraipakhnoo and instructed that the already submitted report for the Lopara to Tunder Prangus link be pursued for inclusion in the current financial year. He emphasised the importance of proper road connectivity for right bank habitations and called for close coordination among all concerned departments and agencies. Issues such as land acquisition, forest clearances, alignment, technical feasibility and funding were discussed in detail.

Concerned officers apprised the meeting of departmental positions and shared observations regarding the proposed project, and the deputy commissioner directed that all departments work in a coordinated and time bound manner and submit requisite details, reports and proposals at the earliest. The administration said the measure aims to secure uninterrupted access for right bank communities and to integrate those habitations with the wider district road network as reservoir operations commence. Technical teams were asked to prepare cost estimates, phasing plans and environmental mitigation measures, and follow up meetings were scheduled to monitor progress.