Srinagar, Oct 21: PDP leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Wednesday urged the Centre to review the design of the under-construction Shalteng-Parimpora flyover in Srinagar, raising concerns over its potential impact on drainage, flood risks, traffic movement and the livelihoods of local shopkeepers and residents.
In a post on X, Para wrote, “Under-construction Shalteng–Parimpora Flyover in Srinagar is being built using RE panels and earth fill along a 900-metre stretch, reportedly rising over 21 feet. This would create a massive concrete barrier through a busy commercial and residential area, cutting off shops from customers and disrupting the daily lives of people living nearby. There are also serious concerns about drainage, waterlogging, flood risk, soil stability, dust pollution and damage to nearby vegetation.”
Para added in the tweet, “So far, no publicly available assessment has adequately addressed these concerns. Urging authorities to pause work on the proposed RE-panel and earth-fill design until an independent technical and environmental review is conducted and its findings made public. The review must examine drainage, flood risks, traffic movement, access to homes and shops, structural safety and the impact on the surrounding area. We also demand that this stretch be redesigned as a four-lane, pier-supported elevated flyover instead of a six-lane earth-filled structure, in line with the approach adopted for other flyovers on this highway. A pier-supported structure would leave the ground more open for traffic, local businesses, pedestrians and natural water flow, while reducing the barrier effect on the surrounding neighbourhoods. Srinagar needs better infrastructure, but development must not come at the cost of people’s livelihoods, homes and neighbourhoods. Hon’ble Union Minister Shri @nitin_gadkariJi, we appeal to you to personally intervene, order a review of the design and ensure a safer, more practical solution in the larger public interest @NHAI_Official”.
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