EPG Raises Environmental Concerns Over Srinagar-Pahalgam Road Project
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

EPG Raises Environmental Concerns Over Srinagar-Pahalgam Road Project

The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Srinagar-Pahalgam road via Khrew, warning of severe ecological damage and biodiversity loss. The project, which involves felling 845 trees and acquiring 108 kanals of forest land, has raised alarms among environmentalists who argue that the environmental costs far outweigh the benefits, including a 30-kilometre reduction in travel distance. 

With two existing roads already linking Srinagar and Pahalgam, the EPG questions the necessity of a third route. The group also warns that tunneling alternatives could weaken rock formations, disrupt water sources, and pose significant risks in the seismically active Zone 5. Citing past environmental disasters in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the EPG urges authorities to reconsider before proceeding. 

The proposed road is expected to cut through the Notified Wildlife Sanctuary at Tral, threatening local flora, fauna, and natural water cycles. While the project is being promoted as a boost for tourism and employment, the EPG stresses that Kashmir’s natural beauty is its greatest asset and must be preserved for sustainable development. 

The group has called for an immediate halt to the project until a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is conducted. Additionally, the project requires Supreme Court clearance before any construction can begin. 

(kashmirlife)        

The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Srinagar-Pahalgam road via Khrew, warning of severe ecological damage and biodiversity loss. The project, which involves felling 845 trees and acquiring 108 kanals of forest land, has raised alarms among environmentalists who argue that the environmental costs far outweigh the benefits, including a 30-kilometre reduction in travel distance. With two existing roads already linking Srinagar and Pahalgam, the EPG questions the necessity of a third route. The group also warns that tunneling alternatives could weaken rock formations, disrupt water sources, and pose significant risks in the seismically active Zone 5. Citing past environmental disasters in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the EPG urges authorities to reconsider before proceeding. The proposed road is expected to cut through the Notified Wildlife Sanctuary at Tral, threatening local flora, fauna, and natural water cycles. While the project is being promoted as a boost for tourism and employment, the EPG stresses that Kashmir’s natural beauty is its greatest asset and must be preserved for sustainable development. The group has called for an immediate halt to the project until a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is conducted. Additionally, the project requires Supreme Court clearance before any construction can begin. (kashmirlife)        

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Three Firms Shortlisted for Rs 332 Million Delhi Metro Contract

Three firms have qualified for the electrification contract D2E-12 of Delhi Metro Phase 4’s Line 10 and Line 5 extension. Line 10 spans 23.622 km, connecting Aerocity and Tughlakabad with 15 stations, while the Line 5 extension covers 12.58 km between Inderlok and Indraprastha with 10 stations.In June 2025, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) invited bids for this contract. The technical bids were opened on 4 August 2025, with four firms submitting proposals. During the evaluation, one firm’s bid was rejected.The three qualified firms are:M/s A.K. Infra ProjectsM/s Kalpataru Projects I..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

L&T Seeks to Sell Hyderabad Metro Stake Amid Financial Losses

Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) has expressed its intention to sell its stake, exceeding 90 per cent, in the L&T Hyderabad Metro Rail project to either the state or central government through a new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), citing operational and accumulated losses.In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), L&T Metro Rail stated that despite repeated follow-ups, the Telangana government has not provided the expected financial assistance. The delay is worsening the financial distress of the concessionaire, making the situa..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Ixigo Launches Delhi Metro Ticketing on Its Trains App

Online travel aggregator (OTA) ixigo has partnered with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to launch Delhi Metro ticketing on the ixigo Trains app on 12 September.As part of the collaboration, ixigo Trains now offers QR-based metro tickets with in-app payments. Users can plan and book end-to-end journeys across trains, buses, flights, hotels and now metro services on a single platform.The DMRC operates nearly 400 km of network across more than a dozen lines, making it India’s largest and busiest metro system. In August 2025, it recorded i..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?