PONDA: The picturesque village of Khandepar, is witnessing the gradual disappearance of its verdant hills, succumbing to the pressures of development, as highway widening initiatives encroach upon its natural beauty.
Concerns have been voiced by locals regarding the environmental impact of hill cutting activities, particularly evident near Amigos junction beneath the Bethora-Borim bypass underpass. The ongoing widening of roads has necessitated the removal of eco-sensitive hills, sparking fears of potential landslides in the area.
Residents emphasize the importance of preserving wildlife habitats and advocate for alternative approaches to road expansion that minimize ecological disruption. Memories of a major landslide during the Kerya Khandepar road widening project, which led to a 15-day traffic diversion onto internal roads, loom large in their minds.
Sandeep Parkar, a Khandepar local and environmentalist, underscored the urgency of conserving the hills, cautioning against the potential collapse of the soft soil slopes due to ongoing excavation. While acknowledging the need for development, Parkar stressed the equal importance of safeguarding nature.
Parkar recalls sightings of bisons on the hills just two years ago, highlighting the ecological significance of these landscapes. He urges authorities to prioritize the protection of sensitive hillsides, suggesting measures akin to those employed to safeguard highway structures.
In response to concerns, an official from the National Highway Authority assured that road widening activities are being carried out within the acquired land and safety protocols are being adhered to during hill cutting operations. However, the assurance offers little solace to residents wary of the environmental repercussions of unchecked development.
