Srinagar, 28 September (H.S.): Government today informed the Legislative Assembly that it is actively pursuing all necessary clearances and taking sustained measures to facilitate the early commencement of work on the 18.824-km Barnai–Jawdora Link Road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary in reply to a Calling Attention Notice moved by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) regarding the commencement of construction work on the Jawdora–Barni road.

Dy CM replied that the Government is actively coordinating with the concerned departments to resolve the pending issues and complete the requisite forest and environmental formalities for the commencement of the project.

He stated that the proposal will be submitted on the PARIVESH portal immediately upon receipt of the required details on tree enumeration and forest land involved, and the work will commence after the requisite forest clearance.

Elaborating, Surinder Kumar said that 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 ₹4742.38 lakh to provide all-weather connectivity to Jawdora habitation.

It was informed that the work was tendered and allotted within the prescribed timelines and the executing agency has already mobilized the requisite men and machinery, while a temporary diversion across the Kishanganga River has also been constructed to facilitate movement of construction resources.

The Government further informed that, in view of the entire road alignment passing through forest land, obtaining the requisite forest clearance is mandatory before construction can proceed. Recognising this requirement, PIU Bandipora had initiated the clearance process well in advance.

To expedite the process, Dy CM informed that, joint inspections of the proposed alignment have been conducted by the PIU and Forest Department. PIU Bandipora has also been coordinating with the Geology & Mining Department for geological analysis and 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 in accordance with statutory and environmental requirements.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar