SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that work on the 18.824-km Barnai–Jawdora Link Road in Bandipora district will commence after mandatory forest clearances are obtained, with efforts underway to expedite the approval process.
Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the government was coordinating with various departments to resolve pending issues and complete the required forest and environmental formalities.
He said the project proposal would be uploaded on the PARIVESH portal once details regarding tree enumeration and the extent of forest land involved are received. Construction work will begin after the necessary forest clearance is granted, he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister informed the House that the road project was sanctioned by the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) under the Ministry of Rural Development in 2025 at a cost of ₹47.42 crore. The project is aimed at providing all-weather connectivity to the remote Jawdora habitation.
According to the government, the project has already been tendered and allotted, and the executing agency has mobilised men and machinery. A temporary diversion across the Kishanganga River has also been constructed to facilitate transportation of construction material and equipment.
Choudhary said the entire road alignment passes through forest land, making forest clearance a mandatory prerequisite for the start of construction. He added that the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Bandipora, had initiated the clearance process in advance.
Joint inspections of the proposed alignment have been carried out by officials of the PIU and the Forest Department, he said. The PIU is also coordinating with the Geology and Mining Department for geological studies and with the Revenue Department to identify suitable sites for disposal of excavated earth and muck, requirements for submission of the proposal on the PARIVESH portal.
The government reiterated its commitment to improving road infrastructure and ensuring all-weather connectivity to remote and border areas while adhering to statutory and environmental regulations.
