Environment watchdog delaying NOC for Bumburate road'

They said the project could not be launched due to non-issuance of a no-objection certificate by the provincial environment protection agency. Speaking at a meeting held to discuss the environment impact assessment report at a local hotel, elected representatives and notables of the area said Ayun and the Kalash valleys were known the world over for their natural beauty and rich cultural heritage but since the establishment of Pakistan no government bothered to construct the Chitral-Ayun-Kalash valley road to facilitate the local people and tourists. They said it was former prime minister Nawaz Sharif who approved the construction of the road and MNA Shahzada Iftikharuddin worked day and night to get the funds released for it. However, some elements were still trying to delay the project by creating unnecessary hurdles in the issuance of the no-objection certificate (NOC) based on the environment impact assessment report. The participants said whatever details had been mentioned in a booklet about the project by the environmnet department, that were enought and there would not be more environmental issues that could hinder the launch of work. Speaking on the occasion, director environment KP, Sanaullah, said it was a mega project and the inhabitants of the area should pinpoint any apprehension that might cause to the environment so that it could be removed. But the participants expressed their satisfaction on the design and alignment of the proposed road and again demanded that work should be started without any further delay. Consultant for the project, Engineer Maj Abdul Sami, told the meeting that an amount of Rs4.31 billion would be spent on the construction of the road. He said the road would be 48 kilometres long and 45 feet wide. He said funds had been released and as soon as the environment department issues the NOC tenders would be floated for the start of the construction work. He assured the participants that the road would be constructed on international standards. –Muhkam Uddin Ayuni]]>