FIR sought over alleged illegal expansion, environmental violations in Handwara–Bangus Road Project

Srinagar: A formal complaint has been filed seeking registration of an FIR over alleged regulatory violations and environmental damage linked to the Handwara–Bangus Road project.

The complaint, as learnt by Alfaaz – The Words, has been submitted by advocate and RTI activist Rasikh Rasool Bhat, who has accused those executing the project of unauthorized expansion of the road alignment, illegal extraction of natural resources, and continued ecological degradation in a sensitive forest zone.

According to the complaint, the sanctioned road length of around 29 kilometres has allegedly been extended to over 42 kilometres without obtaining mandatory approvals or fresh forest clearance for the second phase. It further states that any clearance granted for the first phase had lapsed in 2020 and was not renewed.

The complainant has also alleged large-scale extraction of forest and riverbed material during construction. The material, locally known as “nalmukh,” is said to have been transported, dumped in the Watsar area, and later used in construction works involving heavy machinery such as dumpers and excavators.

Concerns have been raised over ecological disturbance in the Rajwar forest division, with the complaint citing habitat disruption, increased movement of wild animals into nearby habitations, and a rise in human-wildlife conflict. It also highlights environmental impacts including dust and noise pollution and degradation of forest cover.

The complaint refers to previous enforcement actions and FIRs related to alleged unauthorized construction and forest damage in the same area, including incidents of illegal earth cutting and damage to plantations. It alleges that violations have continued despite earlier action.

The complainant has sought registration of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including Sections 329, 303(1) and 111(2), along with provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

He has urged police to initiate a comprehensive investigation against all those allegedly involved, including officials of the Public Works Department, contractors and sub-contractors, and to take immediate steps to prevent further environmental damage in the area.