Srinagar, Sep 28 (KNO): Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that the government is pursuing the requisite clearances to facilitate the commencement of work on the 18.824-km Barnai–Jawdora Link Road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Replying to a Calling Attention Notice moved by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) regarding the commencement of construction work on the Jawdora–Barni road, the Deputy Chief Minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Government is coordinating with concerned departments to resolve pending issues and complete the required forest and environmental formalities.
He said the project proposal would be submitted on the PARIVESH portal upon receipt of the required details regarding tree enumeration and forest land involved, adding that construction would commence after the requisite forest clearance is obtained.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the project was sanctioned by the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, in 2025 at a total cost of rupees 47.42 crore to provide all-weather connectivity to Jawdora habitation.
He said the work had been tendered and allotted within the prescribed timelines and the executing agency had already mobilised the requisite men and machinery at the site.
A temporary diversion across the Kishanganga River has also been constructed to facilitate the movement of construction resources, he informed the house.
The Government said the entire road alignment passes through forest land, making forest clearance mandatory before construction can proceed. It added that PIU Bandipora had initiated the clearance process well in advance.
To expedite the process, joint inspections of the proposed alignment have been conducted by the PIU and Forest Department, the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He further informed the House that PIU Bandipora was coordinating with the Geology & Mining Department for geological analysis and with the Revenue Department for identification of suitable disposal sites for earthwork and muck material, as required for submission of the proposal on the PARIVESH portal.
The Government reiterated its commitment to expediting road infrastructure and ensuring all-weather connectivity to remote and border habitations while adhering to statutory and environmental requirements—(KNO)