Govt vigorously pursuing construction of Sadhna Top Tunnel: Hanjura

JAMMU, JAN 22: Minister for Agriculture Production, Ghulam Nabi Lone today informed the Upper House that with a view to improve the road condition, road safety and to avert accidents on Sadhna top on Kupwara-Karnah Road, various works such as strengthening, permanent works, resurfacing etc have been planned to be executed during the financial year 2018-19 by the Project Beacon.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by MLC, Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, the Minister informed that the State Government took up the issue for construction of Sadhna Tunnel with the Union Minister for Defense during her visit to the State in September 2017.
Besides, the State Government, as a follow-up action approached Ministry of Defense, GoI for according the highest priority for the construction of said tunnel and is earnestly pursuing the matter with the Government of India for its sanction, he added.
The Minister informed that 70 km long Kupwara-Karnah road passing through high mountains is maintained by BEACON.
“In case of heavy snowfall and avalanche warning, Army restricts the movement of vehicles only upto Chowkibal Cantonment Gate from Kupwara side and upto Nachiyan from Karnah side,” he added.
Besides, the Minister said that Project Beacon has also proposed to construct 6.12 kms long Sadhna Tunnel on the road from Chowkibal-Tangdhar-Chamkot between km 28 to Km 42 which is under consideration with the Ministry of Defense.
The Minister further informed that most of the accidents have occurred due to the negligence of drivers and when there was no snow on the terrain.
MLC also demanded to take the issue of construction of tunnel on priority and also take vigorous steps to avoid such accidents to save precious lives of people.