Mughal road, wildlife- forest departments paid Rs 17 compensation

Srinagar Aug 28 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Forests, Environment Qazi Mohammad Afzal said Rs 17 crores has been given to forest and wildlife department as compensation.

The Minister, during his inspection of the road, was informed by the senior officers that latest technology has been adopted in the construction of the road.

He was told that Rs 5 crore have been released by the works department in favour of wildlife to compensate the cost of 583 trees while Rs 12 crore were provided to the Forest Department as compensation for 6000 trees.

He was informed that marking of these trees would be completed within five days.

He said that completion of construction work of Mughal road is in the agenda of coalition government. However, he underlined the need of construction of this road alongside ensuring protection of forests. For the purpose, he stressed close coordination between the forest and works department.

Mr Qazi said that present coalition government is providing better basic amenities to the people of the state, especially for far-flung areas, which are yielding fruitful results.

He said that road connectivity, education, health and adequate drinking water are the priorities of the government.

UNI