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Abdullah Mahesar's avatar

Project land was acquired (and is available) for 2-Lane 148 KM length Highway from Nuriabad to Karchat to Sehwan. Project tenders were invited in 1991. Project was re-designed to satisfy the EPA and IUCN concerns. Every effort was made to satisfy it’s EPA Specialist Mr. James Ramsey. Together with SWLD Conservator, Day and Night surveillance of Chinkara, Ibex and other Flora-Fauna species. People movement were watched specifically from Thano Bola Khan; Thano Ahmed Khan and various other localities along Bholari River. New design provided for fencing total route, laying down specific vehicle-guidelines for controlling CO2, and other pollutants; providing sound barriers at wildlife sanctuaries, underpasses were provided for free movement of animals, waterholes were designed, wardens were proposed for checking poachers so on with other facilities and controls as per OECF (ODA JAPAN) EIA Guidelines. Yet, the Project couldn’t be saved. I may say that it was not only IUCN that finally stalled the Project but some other factors including Press, Journalists resisted the Project tooth and nail using local resources, petition in court, and withdrawal of funds from Japanese donors. All these factors ultimately shelved the Project.

I am not the authority to comment or pass judgment whether the Project was or is overall beneficial but, based on the finals due economic studies as done by you, I as Project Director representing NHA tried to save the Project. However, I can’t say about the NHA’s present strategy about the Project.

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