Ganderbal: MLA Ganderbal Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar has expressed serious concerns over cutting down of hundreds of trees in Sindh forest division for laying 220 KV Srinagar (Alastang)-Leh power transmission line.
In a statement issued here, MLA Ganderbal said, “It is heart-wrenching to see that the company is axing and uprooting hundreds of forest trees for laying of transmission line.”
“Under the guise of development, the environment is being put in jeopardy. I am not sure if government has gone through Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process before sanctioning the cutting down of forests”, Ishfaq added.
He said, “There will be a serious impact on the environment as the forest wealth from Kangan to Sonamarg in Sindh range is being plundered under the garb of building the transmission line”.
The MLA said that the transmission line could have been aligned on the sides of Nallah Sindh in such a way so as to save forests and restore its charm and beauty.
He said the act will adversely impact the ecology and bio-diversity of the forest. “It will take hundreds of years to compensate the damage,” he further added.
Making an appeal, the MLA said, “I appeal Governor to initiate steps into stopping the act which has caused damage & loss to our environment.”
