Baramulla, Sep 19: Jammu and Kashmir lawmaker Javid Hassan Baig has sought an independent assessment of the geological, geotechnical and seismic risks along the proposed Baramulla-Uri railway alignment, urging authorities to defer finalisation of the route until the assessment is completed.
In a private members’ resolution admitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Baig urged the Government of India to keep the proposed alignment from Kanispora toward Khanpora and Sheeri in abeyance pending an independent assessment of its geological and structural safety.
The resolution calls for a detailed assessment of slope stability, soil-bearing capacity, liquefaction potential, seismic vulnerability, drainage conditions and susceptibility to landslides.
Baig has also sought that the alignment be finalised only after competent technical authorities establish and certify the geological and structural suitability of the corridor and its long-term safety.
The resolution was admitted by the Speaker under Rule 179 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
According to a communication issued by the Assembly Secretariat on Sept. 15, balloting for the resolution was scheduled for Sept. 18 at the office of the Secretary, Legislative Assembly.
Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Baig said the proposed alignment passes through a slide-prone area and called for comprehensive geological investigations before the route is finalised.
“Everyone knows that it is a slide-prone area. The authorities need to carry out comprehensive soil testing and other geological investigations so that an entire population is not subjected to some serious issue,” Baig said.
He said his concerns were not against connectivity but focused on ensuring that the proposed infrastructure takes into account the geological characteristics and safety requirements of the area.
The proposed Baramulla-Uri rail link is intended to strengthen connectivity in north Kashmir.
Baig’s resolution seeks an independent evaluation of the corridor’s geological, geotechnical and seismic conditions, along with drainage and landslide risks, before construction-related decisions are taken.
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