SRINAGAR, 30 January 2021, (TON): The Indian Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has allowed National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) to illegally acquired 52.6 hectare forestland for construction new roads leading to the Zojila tunnel in India occupied Jammu and Kashmir State. Sources confirmed strategic military construction in progress in the area.

Strategically important Zojila tunnel and the new constructions in the area is direct threat to Pakistan as well as China. Otherwise, it is illegal to carry out such infrastructure in the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir where implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions is pending.  One of the features of the new work is that tunnel will connect Srinagar-Kargil-Leh that is vital for the military convoys’ movement and ensure uninterrupted supplies throughout the year.

As per the details, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has confirmed acquisition of 52.6 hectares forestland and it is joint venture in which major project has been awarded to Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) which last year floated bid of Indian Rs 4,509.5 crore. He added that case for acquisition of 208 hectares is in progress.  Extensive blasting in the area has been reported and it is being claimed that many other projects are in progress in the area under the garb of construction of tunnel.