Urges LG Sinha, CM Omar to intervene
Baramulla, Aug 12: MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior administration and police officials to intervene over the shortage and restricted availability of stone, sand and other construction material, saying the issue is affecting major developmental projects in the district.
Talking to reporters, Baig made an earnest appeal to LG Sinha, CM Omar, Deputy Chief Minister, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla and SSP Baramulla to review the situation and ensure that genuine developmental works do not suffer because of restrictions aimed at curbing illegal extraction.
“People of Jammu and Kashmir’s expectation is development. We have never seen developmental projects of such a large scale before,” Baig said.
He questioned how projects sanctioned under different heads could be completed if the required construction material was not available.
“In curbing the illegal, legal ones too are suffering like anything. How are these projects going to be completed? From where should we get the construction materials?” he asked
Baig said authorities had a responsibility to prevent the misuse and abuse of natural resources, in line with observations of the Supreme Court, but maintained that restrictions should distinguish between illegal extraction and legitimate requirements for development works.
“Stopping misuse and abuse is our responsibility, but if genuine use is also hit, how could works happen? How would projects be through?” he said.
The MLA said the situation on the ground is concerning and called for a mechanism that could prevent illegal extraction while ensuring uninterrupted supply of construction material for legitimate projects.
“Government has to make ways for development and resolve the issues,” Baig said, adding that continued delays could affect public confidence.
Baig urged the authorities to address the issue at the earliest so that sanctioned developmental projects do not face further delays due to the non-availability of construction material—(KNO)
