The widening of the vital Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri road in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will necessitate the felling of 740 forest trees. The project, being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), requires the diversion of 20.9352 hectares of forest land in the Baramulla district. Final approval for the diversion of this forest land for the Section-4 widening project was granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that among the trees to be felled, 623 fall within the 30-60 cm diameter range, along with 117 poles. To offset the environmental impact, the project proponent has made significant financial contributions. A total of Rs 3,83,75,627 has been paid to the government, comprising Rs 2,87,31,678 as the Net Present Value (NPV) for the diverted forest land and Rs 96,43,949 realised for compensatory afforestation initiatives.
The Forest Department has identified specific locations for compensatory afforestation to mitigate the loss of forest cover. Three sites have been designated: Kitchama Forest in Baramulla Range, and Mond Forest and Khahmoh within the Hamal Range of the JV Forest Division. A comprehensive plan to plant 27,000 saplings across 27 hectares has received approval. Officials have noted that plantation targets for 2026 were not assigned, as the primary afforestation activities were completed during the 2024-25 period.
In addition to afforestation, stringent measures are being implemented to ensure ecological restoration and stability along the affected stretch of the road. The BRO has undertaken slope stabilisation and other environmental restoration works. These efforts include the construction of 4,315 square metres of crate walls and 15,900 square metres of gabion walls. These structures are crucial for preventing soil erosion and protecting the surrounding environment, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the road infrastructure project.
The widening project aims to enhance connectivity and improve transportation infrastructure in the region, which is strategically important and experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons. The decision to proceed with the road expansion, despite the felling of trees, underscores the balance being struck between developmental needs and environmental conservation efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
