Srinagar, Omar Abdullah, the Vice President of National Conference, has voiced concerns over the environmental impact of the new motorable road leading to the Amarnath cave in the Islamabad district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Abdullah questioned the necessity of the road, stressing the potential environmental degradation it could cause. He emphasized that the annual pilgrimage has been traditionally undertaken without such facilities, suggesting that the new road is excessive and could harm the region’s delicate ecosystem.

He argued for a reassessment of the situation, implying that convenience should not come at the cost of environmental preservation. Abdullah drew parallels with other religious pilgrimages, noting that certain hardships are expected and are part of the spiritual journey.

The construction of the road to the Amarnath cave became a reality after the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) finished widening the path from Dumail to the cave via Baltal base camp in the Ganderbal district, facilitating vehicle access to the once remote pilgrimage site.

Abdullah’s comments reflect growing concerns among various stakeholders about the impact of infrastructure projects on the region’s environment and traditional practices.