Centre Halts Key Kashmir Railway Projects Amid Local Pushback, Protecting 7 Lakh Apple Trees
In a significant development, the Union Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday that proposed railway projects through South Kashmir have been put on hold. This decision comes in response to strong local opposition, primarily from the horticulture industry, which raised concerns about potential damage to apple orchards during land acquisition for the railway lines.
Political Parties Welcome the Move
The ruling National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have both expressed relief and gratitude following the announcement. The National Conference, through party spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party MPs for their necessary and critical intervention. Dar emphasized that halting the proposed railway tracks between Anantnag-Pahalgam and Anantnag-Shopian ensures the safety of people's livelihoods and orchards, stating, This is a government that listens to people's concerns and acts on it.
Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti described the decision as a much-needed reprieve for Kashmir's agrarian economy. She warned that these projects threatened to destroy scarce fertile land and push over a million rural families into uncertainty, asserting, Development that uproots farmers is not progress. Mufti called for transparent reviews of any future plans, with farmers and local communities involved to protect Kashmir's economy and social fabric.
Background and Local Concerns
The railways had sanctioned surveys for three new lines in December 2023:
- Sopore-Kupwara (33.7km)
- Awantipora-Shopian (27.6km)
- Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (77.5km)
These areas are major apple-producing regions of the Valley. Almost immediately after the announcement, apple farmers began protesting, objecting to the felling of trees. This concern was heightened by recent disruptions from landslides that hampered transportation during the peak harvest season. Locals estimated that approximately 7 lakh apple trees in Shopian and Pulwama districts could be felled for these projects.
Economic Impact and Government Response
According to government estimates, the horticulture sector contributes significantly to the Union Territory's economy, providing employment to about 33 lakh people. Independent MLA from Shopian, Shabir Kullay, highlighted that the project raised serious and legitimate concerns, as it threatened substantial losses to local livelihoods and landowners. He noted that through sustained engagement with Union and Cabinet Ministers, the potential social and economic impacts were carefully examined, leading to the project's cancellation.
Kullay praised the decision, stating it reflects a sensitive and balanced approach to development by both the central and UT governments. The move underscores the importance of considering local agricultural interests in infrastructure planning, particularly in regions like Kashmir where horticulture is a cornerstone of the economy.
