Srinagar, Nov 07(KNS): As the route leading to the Amarnath cave in Kashmir has been made accessible for vehicular travel, Former legislator and CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami Tuesday said that  construction of the road to the sacred cave poses a significant threat to the local ecology, causing severe consequences for the entire biodiversity especially wildlife and forests in the region.

Taking to a micro-blogging website X, formerly Twitter, he said that the Amarnath Yatra is a sacred journey for millions of people in the country & its religious significance is paramount. However, construction of the road to the sacred cave poses a significant threat to the local ecology, causing severe consequences for the entire biodiversity especially wildlife and forests in the region.

"The road cutting through glaciers and critical forest areas without obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificates, has created substantial challenges for environmental sustainability in the Himalayan Region," he added.

"It is imperative that the government agencies should have engaged with all stakeholders, seeking their input and respecting environmental statutes to prevent unsustainable development," he said.(KNS).