Farmers Flag Land, Drainage Issues
DC B’la Syeed Fakhrudin Promises Resolution Within The Timeline
Irfan Yattoo
Pattan: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, on Wednesday said that the much-awaited Pattan Bypass will be completed before the stipulated deadline, expressing confidence that the project will significantly ease traffic congestion in the area.
Chairing the Block Diwas programme at Government Degree College Pattan, the DC reviewed the progress of the project and expressed confidence that the bypass will help decongest traffic along the Srinagar–Baramulla highway, particularly through Pattan town.
Talking to reporters, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla said the Pattan Bypass is expected to be completed before the stipulated deadline, which will significantly ease traffic congestion. He also assured that public grievances, particularly those raised by farmers, will be addressed.
“Block Diwas in Pattan witnessed participation from residents of Pattan and adjoining areas, with the meeting largely dominated by issues related to the ongoing bypass project,” he said.
DC Baramulla Syeed Fakhrudin said administration reviewed the progress timeline and is closely monitoring the work to ensure timely completion.
He also acknowledged that people, particularly farmers, are facing difficulties due to construction activity, especially in horticulture and agriculture sectors.
Stressing the need for better coordination, DC said the administration has directed the executing agencies to work in close coordination with local residents to minimise inconvenience.
DC further said several grievances were addressed on the spot, while others were taken up for resolution. Suggestions regarding beautification and local development works were also received from the stakeholders, he said.
He further urged the media to highlight government schemes and employment opportunities, so that more youth can get employed.
Earlier on the issue of “missing” 57 kanals of land, the DC said the matter has already been taken up with the Ministry and will be resolved within the given timeline. He added that further clarifications have also been sought in this regard.
During the Block Diwas, farmers also flagged issues related to drainage in orchards, waterlogging and blocked access to agricultural land due to construction activity.
Officials said 51 culverts have been constructed along the bypass stretch so far, but acknowledged the need for additional structures. Estimates for the same are being prepared for approval.
The DC assured that issues related to drainage, connectivity and access roads will be addressed, and stressed the need for better coordination between executing agencies and local stakeholders.
People also expressed gratitude to DC Baramulla and other officials for holding the Block Diwas in Pattan and personally listening to their grievances.
The assurance comes days after farmers from Palhallan and adjoining areas staged protests and blocked portions of the bypass alignment, halting construction work.
The farmers had alleged that parts of their land were taken without due notification and that key revenue records are either missing or do not reflect the actual extent of land acquired.
The project, being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), involves construction of an 11-kilometre, 100-foot-wide greenfield bypass from Hanjwera to Tapper and has been under execution for nearly two years.
Official documents indicate that the project, sanctioned in March 2023 at a cost of ₹980.21 crore, has achieved around 48 percent physical progress so far.
At the centre of the dispute is the alleged non-notification of around 55 to 57 kanals of land under the National Highways Act. Farmers claim that while compensation has been paid for some notified portions, additional land was used without completing mandatory legal procedures.
Following protests, a delegation of farmers met the Deputy Commissioner last week, seeking redressal.
Officials said the administration has assured that all grievances, including verification of land records and compensation claims, will be addressed within 15 days.
Officials from the district administration confirmed that the matter has been taken up with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for necessary approvals, particularly regarding additional land requirements.
Authorities have also sought in-principle approval for the acquisition of nearly 2.925 hectares of additional land to address alignment and design issues.
