Former Planning Minister and MLA Bandipora, Usman Majid, here on Wednesday, said that NHPC has failed in its responsibility to contribute to the development of Bandipora. In a statement, Majid said that despite being duty-bound to utilize their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for the beautification of the Mantrigam, Pazalpora, Pethkoot, Kralpora and Bunkoot areas, NHPC has neglected this obligation.
Majid pointed out that the roads in these areas are in a deplorable state, filled with potholes and dust, causing immense inconvenience and health problems for the residents. The area, known for its lush greenery and natural beauty, has suffered due to NHPC’s neglect.
He emphasized that instead of utilizing the area’s resources and CSR funds for beautification, NHPC has allowed the infrastructure to deteriorate, tarnishing the landscape and causing further hardship for the local people. The lack of basic amenities and infrastructure development has left the people frustrated and suffering.
Majid also criticized NHPC for neglecting the entire village where they constructed the power project, leaving it in shabby conditions. He demanded that if NHPC is providing CSR funds to the government, they should make it public where these funds are being utilized for the area.
Meanwhile, Majid condemned the local administration, forest department, and pollution control board for granting clearances and NOCs to an illegal macadamization plant set up at the foothills of the famous Harmukh peak in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district. This has caused significant environmental damage and led to a prolonged air pollution crisis in the region. He further criticized the administration for allowing people to start concrete construction in green forest areas, including Tragbal and other regions, which violated environmental and NGT laws, as well as air pollution laws under the 1982 Act.
Majid expressed dismay that instead of simply initiating road work, a macadam plant has been installed, creating a “pollution nuisance” that is entirely unacceptable in these lush green forests. He called on the administration to intervene and investigate how and why permission is being granted for macadamization and concrete construction in green forest areas, as these activities are illegal and harmful to the environment.
He urged NHPC and the authorities to take immediate corrective measures to address these pressing concerns, ensuring that the promised development and environmental protection are finally delivered.
