Sonamarg, Sept 19. Questions are being raised over land use in Sonamarg after the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) shifted the proposed construction of a grid station from Sarbal to Yachh Marg near Fish Point. Despite receiving full compensation, landowners of Sarbal continue to use the land originally acquired for the project.
NHIDCL had initially identified Sarbal as the site for building a grid station meant to supply power to the under-construction Zojila Tunnel. The corporation acquired four kanals of land for this purpose and paid landowners at the rate of 42 lakh rupees. However, for reasons not officially explained, the grid station is now being developed at Yachh Marg, leaving the earlier acquired land at Sarbal unutilized.
NHIDCL’s General Manager, Javed Ahmad, while speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, confirmed the development, stating that the shift was made to Yachh Marg. He acknowledged that the landowners have been fully compensated, yet they continue to cultivate crops there.
Locals in Sonamarg have been demanding that a beautiful park should be developed on this land, which would benefit both locals and tourists and would also show proper use of public funds.
Locals also pointed out that tourism in Sonamarg is expanding rapidly, with thousands of visitors every season. They argue that setting up a park on the vacant land could complement the tourism economy and provide open space for recreation. [KNT]
