JAMMU: Over 21000 trees will be axed in Jammu, Reasi forest and Wildlife divisions for Delhi_Katra Expressway, information in this regard has been provided by National Highway Authority of India. In reply to an Right to Information plea by Jammu based RTI activist Raman Sharma, the NHAI has informed that a total of 21483 trees are to be chopped down between Kunjwani to Sidhra and Sidhra to Ban Toll sections of Jammu_Katra express way.
NHAI reply dated 23/June/2023 reveals that 11946 will be axed under Jammu Forest Division for Kunjwani to Sidhra Section, 1781 tress for Sidhra to Ban Toll Section out of which 746 falls under Jammu Wildlife division. Under the jurisdiction of forest division Reasi 7756 trees needs to be removed out between Domel and Katra section.
The RTI reply also informs that so far out of 21483 trees that had been earmarked for removal, 8150 have already been felled, out of which 7000 has been axed between Kunjwani to Sidhra section (Jammu forest division) and 1150 between Sidhra to Ban Toll, Nagrota. Between Domel to Katra section so far no tree is uprooted yet.
The documents served to activist Raman Sharma by Project Director, NHAI, PIU Udhampur also discloses that over 716 Kanals (36.2511 Hectares) of Forest Land belonging to Jammu and Reasi Forest divisions shall be diverted for non-forestry purpose that would be used for construction of Jammu-Katra Express Way. There is also a provision for Compensatory afforestation for degraded forest land for which the funds shall be provided by the user agency.