Boulevard four-laning project awaits wildlife clearance, land acquisition: Govt

Srinagar, Sep 22: The proposed four-laning of Boulevard Road from Nehru Park to Kralsangri is awaiting statutory wildlife clearance and completion of land acquisition and transfer formalities, the government said in the Legislative Assembly.
The issue was raised by MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar through an unstarred question seeking the present status of the upgradation/four-laning of Boulevard Road and reasons for the delay, particularly with regard to pending forest clearance.
In its reply, the Public Works (R&B) Department, said the work for “04-Laning of Boulevard Road from Nehru Park to Kralsangri, RD 2000 to RD 7000 (Balance Portion)” stands sanctioned under the Central Road Fund Programme of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and has been allotted to the executing agency.
The government said the alignment falls within the limits of the notified City Forest/National Park, making wildlife clearance under the applicable statute a prerequisite for taking up work on the balance stretch.
It further said that during reconnaissance of the alignment, a number of private and government properties were found falling within the proposed Right of Way. The land acquisition and land transfer process is being pursued as per law, along with the statutory clearance.
Regarding steps taken to expedite the project, the department said the proposal for requisite wildlife clearance has been initiated on the PARIVESH portal and is presently under consideration of the concerned Wildlife Department.
On the land-related issues, the government said the matter has been taken up with the District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, for demarcation and handing over of state land falling within the alignment, and with the Collector Land Acquisition (North), Srinagar.
The Collector has intimated that initial demarcation of the land required for the project has been carried out, while demarcation at certain locations is presently underway.
The tentative cost of land acquisition has also been intimated to the department, while the matter regarding funds is under process. The department said it is pursuing the case with the concerned authorities for completion of the statutory and land formalities.
The government maintained that the required clearances, land acquisition and transfer formalities are being pursued concurrently to facilitate completion of the project. (KNO)