Destroying environment and livelihoods

This is in reference to the write up, 'How can our elected government allow a highway via Yusmarg and Doodhpathri?', by Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, published in Greater Kashmir on December 14. The author deserves appreciation for highlighting a genuine concern.

As the work on this project is beginning very soon as per the reports, it is very important to look at the environmental  as well economical consequences that this mega project is going to have on the region. This 70 ft highway, designated as NH701, will connect Poonch, Rajouri,  Shopian, Yusmarg, Doodhpathri, Beerwah, Magam and other areas with Baramulla.

Development is indeed required. Nobody can deny the developmental activities but it should not be at the cost of environment and the livelihoods. Recently we saw scores of people protesting against the proposed construction of Satellite colonies along the ring road. They feared that it is going to snatch their livelihoods. For them their land was of the utmost importance as it  fetched them their livelihood.

Building roads, railways, flyovers, tunnels and other infrastructure is good but at the same time we must be aware about the repercussions of these projects. This proposed highway which is going to pass through the areas above mentioned is going take a big toll on the natural ecosystems and highly rich biodiversity. As we have seen, the process of development in the name of industrialisation, urbanisation, transportation etc. has not only damaged the environment but has badly impacted the livelihoods as well, at  global level. This highway project will also lead to deforestation at many places as the road will pass through forest and mountainous regions. It will also lead to the the destruction of habitats of many wild  species, of both plants and animals, ultimately leading to ecological imbalance. The naturally fragile ecology of these areas is going to get disturbed by the construction of this highway. This will also deprive us from the rich flora and fauna of the region.

Before approving such projects, is not this the responsibility of the government to seek the opinion of the environmental experts about their environmental implications.

The environmental degradation is a global phenomenon and there is much hue and cry at the global level about the destruction and degradation of the natural environment. The impact of such projects on the environment at the local, regional levels is more visible.

There are apprehensions that the construction of this newly proposed highway is going to render a large number of families homeless. The government can indeed provide them the compensation but that compensation can't bring that natural meadows and the lands back that will be utilised for its construction.

Kashmir valley has already limited land area under cultivation. At many places agriculture and horticulture land will be used in which apple orchards and the rice fields will face the axe, snatching the livelihoods of the people. At some places the project will also lead to land degradation as in case of digging of soil and other construction material. As the road will  pass through tough terrain, the earth cutting and other human interventions will change the natural topography of these hills and will lead to landslides.

Let every developmental activity be eco-friendly and sustainable in nature. Only the sustainable development will take care of the the resources.

Let the government make an in-depth research and analysis before approving any such big project taking into account the economy, natural environment and the resources of the region.

Author is a teacher by profession and hails from Baramulla.