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| Proposal for separate development authority | | SASB poised for fresh controversies this time | | Early Times Special Correspondent
Jammu | Apr 22
News Analysis
Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, which has been embroiled in controversies ever since its constitution four years ago, with various measures taken by it to promote the pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Bhagwan Shiva subjected to obstructions from certain elements, under one pretext or the other, is poised for fresh controversies this time.
On one hand concern has been shown by some government agencies, notably the PWD and some locals in the Anantnag district over inordinate delay in widening and upgradation of Khanabal—Pahalgam road. It is alleged that the project of widening and upgradation of 64 metre long road, estimated to cost Rs 110 crores, under centrally sponsored scheme, is getting delayed due to the road being sealed for all other purposes for 3 to 4 months to facilitate and conduct of smooth yatra to Amarnath Shrine. The sources claim that while the working season in this part of Kashmir only for 7 to 8 months, in view of heavy snow and extreme cold not allowing any construction work to be done, for 4 months another three months are lost for the purpose for smooth conduct of Amarnath yatra, when the authorities particularly the security forces do not allow any construction work to be carried on the road. However this plea by the PWD as well as the contractors is stated to be only a lame excuse to cover up their own negligence and is aimed at escalating the cost, to provide benefits to the contractors as well as the officials in the PWD department.
Still another and more important controversy in offing is the move by SASB to create State of Art infrastructure for the pilgrims in the area from Sonamarg to Pahalgam. Eyebrows have been raised from certain quarters over the proposal by the State Governor, S K Sinha, who is the ex officio Chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, for creating a separate development agency for the area falling between Baltal near Sonamarg in central Kashmir and Chandanwari off Pahalgam in South Kashmir, for raising infrastructure for the annual Amarnath yatra through both routes. The Governor is reported to have asked the State government to delink Baltal from the jurisdiction of Sonamarg Development Authority and Chandanwari from the Pahalgam Development Authority and place these directly under the control of the Shrine Board for their development.
The objections to the proposal have been raised from some quarters on the ground that the area falls under two world famous scenic spots of Kashmir valley, whose ecological preservation is considered to be of utmost significance. Over ruling these concerns, the Governor has stated that placing the entire area which falls on way to Shri Amarnath Shrine under one development authority would increase the avenues of development for the people living in these areas. It is also argued that Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has at its disposal adequate funds to help develop required infrastructure, which on one hand will create all the required facilities for the pilgrims, giving it a tremendous boost, while on the other hand it will improve the economic conditions of the locals in this area. The SASB has already in the past brushed aside objections on ground of ecology of the area to be disturbed and has stressed upon the fact that the SASB is fully conscious about the maintenance of healthy environment and ecological balance in the area and has been taking adequate steps in this regard.
Confirming that a proposal in this regard has been sent to the government by Raj Bhawan about three months back, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer SASB, Dr. Arun Kumar is stated to have said that they have requested the state government to create a separate development authority from Baltal to Chandanwari, placing the same under the direct control of the Shrine Board. |
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