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'Development projects turn Srinagar highway prone to landslides
by Suhail Ahmad

     Srinagar: The development projects under way in Jammu and Kashmir have made the only road link between the State and the rest of the country more prone to landslides, officials said today. The Srinagar-Jammu Highway has been witnessing frequent closures in the recent past due to landslides. While talking to reporters, Chief Engineer Border Roads Organisation Brigaider AK Bhutani blamed the development works being carried out in the area for the rise in the occurrence of landslides. Bhutani said the main cause of worry is Panthal where landslides have become frequent. Following this observation, a team of geological experts was called from Mumbai to carry out a survey in the region, he said. After the survey, the team found that because of new development projects along the highway, which includes construction of new tunnel and roads, have loosened the mountains in the area resulting in more chances of landslides, Bhutani said. The team also observed that many new places along the highway have become prone to landslides. He said the BRO has deployed 40 dozers and 200-250 men to clear the highway during the time of landslides. According to Bhutani, the first priority for the past few days has been to safely rescue the stranded passengers and vehicles.
-January 11,  2008