Amarnath Road Construction Threatens Local Ecology, Says CPIM Leader MY Tarigami

CPIM leader MY Tarigami has expressed concern over the construction of a road to the Amarnath cave shrine, saying it poses a significant threat to the local ecology and could have severe consequences for the entire biodiversity in the region.

Srinagar, Nov 7: CPIM leader M Y Tarigami on Tuesday said the construction of a road to the Amarnath cave shrine poses a significant threat to the local ecology and could have severe consequences for the entire biodiversity in the region.

Environmental Concerns

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has expanded road connectivity up to the Amarnath shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. The first set of vehicles has reached the cave via the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. In a post on Facebook, Tarigami said, "The Amarnath Yatra is a sacred journey for millions of people in the country & its religious significance is paramount. However, construction of the road to the sacred cave poses a significant threat to the local ecology, causing severe consequences for the entire biodiversity, especially wildlife and forests in the region."

The road cutting through glaciers and critical forest areas without obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificates has created substantial challenges for environmental sustainability in the Himalayan Region, he said. The government agencies should have engaged with all stakeholders, seeking their inputs and respecting environmental statutes to prevent unsustainable development, the CPIM leader said.

BRO's Involvement

The BRO was entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the twin tracks leading to the cave shrine last year. The BRO's Project Beacon is involved in the restoration and improvement of the Amarnath Yatra tracks. With the motorable road reaching the Amarnath cave shrine, the pilgrimage would become more accessible and comfortable for devotees who traditionally had to travel on foot, according to officials.

While the construction of the road may make the pilgrimage easier for devotees, it is important to consider the potential environmental impact of the project. The government should take steps to mitigate these impacts and ensure that the road does not cause any long-term damage to the region's ecology.