Srinagar: The administration has proposed the construction of a 1.75-kilometer flyover connecting Rajbagh to Maulana Azad Road in Srinagar to address rising traffic congestion. However, an environmental group has raised strong objections to the project, citing ecological concerns.
A senior official told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that the proposed flyover will be built over the Jhelum River and Polo Ground from Rajbagh to Maulana Azad Road near Sangarmal, with the aim of easing traffic flow in the city.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary confirmed the development, stating that the project is crucial to managing Srinagar’s increasing vehicular load.
Kashmir has witnessed a significant surge in traffic over the past seven years. This has led to severe congestion, prompting the government to explore infrastructural solutions.
However, the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has voiced strong opposition to the plan, warning of its detrimental impact on Srinagar’s green spaces.
In a statement issued to KINS, the group argued that Polo Ground, a key recreational space for young athletes and community members, would suffer irreversible damage.
“Polo Ground is more than just a recreational venue; it is a community hub where hundreds of boys and girls gather to engage in sports, indoor games, and physical activities,” EPG stated.
The group also highlighted concerns over the planned felling of Chinar trees, warning that such actions would harm biodiversity and alter the city’s natural landscape.
Additionally, EPG cautioned that increased impermeable surfaces from the new flyover and bridge could elevate flood risks. “It is alarming that more parks and green spaces are being vandalized and converted into construction sites and parking lots,” the group added, urging the government to seek alternative solutions to traffic congestion. (KINS)
