Excelsior Correspondent
CHENANI, Jan 15: The Environment Committee of Legislative Assembly visited Chenani to inspect the measures taken by the executing agency at the construction site of the upcoming tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Led by the Committee Chairman, Mohammad Yousf Tarigami, the committee members went around the construction site and took stock of the construction activities and environment protection measures taken by the construction agency.
The project includes construction of two 9 kms long parallel tunnels one main and the other escaping tunnel.
The Chairman, while taking stock of the overall construction activities at the construction site, was told that tunnel project was part of up-gradation, strengthening and four laning of National Highway connecting Jammu and Srinagar.
MLAs, Mohammad Yaseen Shah, Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, Krishen Chander, Dr.Shafi Ahmed Wani, Prof. Gharu Ram, Charnjeet Singh and Mohammad Sharif Naz accompanied the Chairman.
Mr. Tarigami while assessing the measures taken by the construction agency for the protection of environment and well-being of the labourers, said “no doubt, we want excess extra development activities for generating more employment opportunities but at the same time we will have to take care of the environment concerns. We have some concerns about the protection, because it is an important component for sustainable development and prosperity of the State”.
Earlier, the Deputy General Manager, Lighten and G. V. Rao, Project Director IL&FS,J.S Rathore through power presentation briefed the committee about the project details, salient features, progress, environmental plan and employment provided to locals.
The Chairman was informed that more than 800 locals have been employed, besides thousands of non skilled people are also engaged in construction works.
The committee was also told that on completion of the tunnel, it will reduce 31 kms distance journey on National Highway and will provide better road connectivity to Valley. The meeting was told that the wastage/debris is being dumping at designated places.
On the occasion, some labours and locals put forth their problems before the Chairman, who directed the authorities to redress the grievances.
Earlier, Commissioner-Secretary, Revenue B.A. Runyal, gave a brief account about the land acquired for the project and the compensation paid to the owners.
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