SOPORE, Sept. 24 -- A group of residents from Watlab in Sopore has urged the authorities to review a proposed road upgradation project in the area, expressing concerns over the potential impact of extensive hill cutting, excavation and blasting on slope stability, residential properties and the local environment.

In a representation submitted to the authorities, the residents referred to the proposed work on the Watlab-Baba Shakoor-ud-Din road, which includes construction of retaining walls and crate protection works at various locations.

The residents claimed that the project's bill of quantities provides for substantial earthwork through hydraulic excavators, including excavation in ordinary rock and hard rock requiring blasting. They...