This refers to the article titled “As we landed in Srinagar” by Hashim Qureshi. (GK June 29). He has raised some points about the Dodhpathri Development Authority, which merit a clarification. The writer’s plea that hundreds of Brick Kilns are functional on the road is far from truth. The road leading from Budgam through Ichgam, Khanshaib, Reyar, Tangnar to Dodhpathri is mostly paddy fields and the Brick Kilns don’t exist anywhere. The district administration has already banned setting up of Brick Kilns. Regarding felling of trees, it has already been clarified in GK issue that Rs 1.20 crores have been paid by the Roads and Buildings Department to the Forest Department as compensation for widening of road from Reyar to Dodhpathri. The felling of trees is as per the permission granted and as per the norms of Forest Act. Trees have been cut only wherever it was necessary, and as such the plea is refuted. Lastly, regarding the loot of plots, the Dodhpathri area is mostly forest land except for some patches which are proprietary in nature. For creation of infrastructure at Dodhpathri, the Authority has paid money to the Forest Department for transfer of land after the State Cabinet accorded approval for its transfer. So the views are not based on facts.
Chief Executive Officer
Dodhpathri Dev. Authority
Budgam

Lastupdate on : Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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