Kupwara, April 22: The ongoing widening and construction of National Highway 701, which connects Kupwara to Baramulla and serves as a vital route for border connectivity, has come under public scrutiny following an incident of alleged negligence near Bachawara in Kralgund.

The highway project is considered the need of the hour, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and improving accessibility to remote and border areas. However, concerns have been raised regarding the manner in which construction activities are being executed on the ground.

According to eyewitnesses, shortly after the peaceful conclusion of a Nasha Mukt campaign, students from various areas of Langate and Qaziabad were returning to their homes and schools when labourers engaged in road widening work felled a large Chinar tree near the Bachawara–Kralgund crossing on the Handwara Baramulla stretch.

Locals alleged that the tree was cut and brought down directly onto the road without prior branch trimming, safety gear, or any temporary traffic restrictions. The sudden operation resulted in a complete blockage of the highway for nearly 20 to 25 minutes, disrupting traffic movement on this crucial route.

A local passenger expressed concern, stating that such negligence could have had serious consequences. “If there had been a medical emergency or a fire incident in the area during that time, who would have been responsible?” he questioned.

Residents have demanded strict adherence to safety guidelines during such operations, including advance precautionary measures like traffic regulation, proper equipment for workers, and public warnings. They have also called for action against the contractor responsible for the lapse.

Meanwhile, personnel from the Indian Army’s Road Opening Party (ROP), who were on duty in the area, played a crucial role in clearing the blockage and restoring normal traffic flow within 20–25 minutes.

When contacted, the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara acknowledged the importance of the highway project, stating that it is being carried out as per established guidelines.

 “We have already instructed the concerned construction agency to strictly follow all rules and procedures,” he said.

He further assured that the matter would be looked into and that immediate notice would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.