Jammu and Kashmir Railway Project: Iltija Mufti urges govt to spare fertile land in Anantnag for railway line

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti has raised concerns about the government’s decision to acquire fertile agricultural land for the construction of a railway line in the Bijbehara area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mufti urged the LG administration to reconsider its decision and spare the fertile lands that are crucial for the livelihood of local farmers.

Impact on Local Livelihoods
Mufti emphasised that acquiring agricultural land for the railway project would directly harm the livelihood of many people in the region. The proposed railway line, which is set to start from Pulwama and pass through Bijbehara and Awantipora, would traverse a highly fertile stretch of land that is home to several orchards. According to Mufti, the move has sparked protests from locals, who are concerned about the loss of their income sources due to the potential destruction of their agricultural fields.

Environmental Concerns
Beyond the economic implications, Iltija Mufti also expressed concerns about the potential ecological impact of the railway line on the fragile environment of Kashmir. She pointed out that constructing the railway line through fertile agricultural land could worsen the already delicate ecological balance in the region. Mufti suggested that the government could consider alternative routes that do not involve the destruction of agricultural land, highlighting the need for a more thoughtful approach to infrastructure development.

Criticism of Government Policies
The PDP leader also criticised the government’s broader approach to development in the region, claiming that it was criminalising the livelihoods of local people. She referred to the ongoing firing of government employees and the government’s plans to build satellite towns in the area without proper urban planning. Mufti warned that such developments, combined with the loss of agricultural land, are making people feel insecure and adding to their fears about the future of the region.

Iltija Mufti’s appeal underscores the tension between infrastructure development and the preservation of local livelihoods and the environment. As the government pushes forward with its railway project, the concerns raised by Mufti and local communities highlight the need for careful consideration of the long-term impact of such projects on Kashmir’s delicate agricultural and ecological landscapes.

(With agency inputs)