The delay in forest clearance for road projects in Kupwara’s border areas, including Tangdhar, Keran, and Machil, has caused major problems for locals. Construction work has been put on hold, leaving thousands of workers, especially those dependent on the Beacon department, without jobs.
The poor condition of roads has made life difficult, especially in winter when these areas remain cut off from the district headquarters. Emergencies become harder to handle due to the lack of proper road connectivity.
Despite government efforts to promote border tourism, the delay in forest clearance is slowing down road improvements. Locals are now urging the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to step in and resolve the issue.
For years, construction companies have been blamed for delays in roadwork, but locals say the real issue is the forest department’s slow approval process. This has made it impossible to start new projects, resulting in roads that are barely usable during harsh weather.
With Ramadan underway and Eid approaching, locals are struggling financially.
The armed forces and Beacon department, which have been a major source of employment, have not started any new projects this year due to the clearance delay. “We don’t have a single penny for Eid,” said a worried resident, highlighting the tough situation.
The Parivesh portal was introduced to address forest clearance issues, but approvals are still pending. Sources claim that the department has completed all necessary formalities but is waiting for the final go-ahead. Without proper roads, tourism development in the border areas remains a distant dream.
Locals believe that if the required land is approved for road widening, it will be a game-changer. Better roads would ensure smooth connectivity, especially during snowfall, and make daily life easier. Post receipt of clearances on government approved projects necessary work on the same will commence. However, without authorised clearances work cannot commence I turn affecting the employment in the region.
Residents are hopeful that authorities will act quickly to clear the roadblocks and bring much-needed development to the border areas (KNS)
