UDHAMPUR: The much a talked about Chenani-Nashri tunnel has come under a scanner for failing to comply with the ‘pollution hazards’ inside the tunnel.

The state legislature’s Environment Committee which conducted an inspection of the tunnel on Thursday observed that there was a need to evolve an effective mechanism to monitor and minimize the pollution in the tunnel.

The members said the committee will welcome the suggestions of all stakeholders for achieving clean environment inside the tunnel and for the safety of the commuters.

Interacting with the stakeholders, the environment committee assured them that it would forcefully seek pollution and dust free environment for the people of the area.

“The shortcomings found will be conveyed to the implementing agencies, department and authorities so that the same are corrected in given time,” the members said.

The committee also called for seeking expert opinion on environment assessment so that a proper mechanism is followed to safeguard human health and environment. It was informed that more such inspection will be conducted in future to ensure that the improvements suggested are followed.

The Legislative Assembly Panel on environment today visited Chenani-Nashri Tunnel and its adjoining sites to take on the spot assessment of the environment issues inside and around the subway.

The team was led by the Committee Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and comprised Legislators Pawan Kumar Gupta, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Gulzar Ahmed Wani, Mohammad Abbas Wani and Syed Mohammad Baqir Rizvi,

The committee also held detailed deliberations with DDC Ramban and called for proper maintenance and smooth regulation to discourage traffic congestion in and around tunnel.

Deputy Commissioner, Ramban Tariq Hussain Ganie, and other officers of district administration and engineers of construction companies accompanied the committee members.

Built at a cost of Rs 3,720 crore, the tunnel will reduce the distance between Jammu and Srinagar from 41 km to 9.2 km. The tunnel engineers claim that Air quality monitors installed every 12 metres will keep a check on carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, guiding exhaust fans and air purification.

An automated Integrated Traffic Control System is supposed to monitor traffic round-the-clock and overheated vehicles will be made to stop for cooling off.

Guest