Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Dec 03 : Local farmers in the Anantnag-Bijbehara region of South Kashmir have launched protests against the proposed expansion of the railway network to Pahalgam, citing concerns over the destruction of orchards and fertile fields.
Political parties have also joined the chorus of opposition, demanding that the state and central governments reconsider the plan.
The central government has proposed extending the railway line from Anantnag to Pahalgam, a key tourist destination and the base camp for the Shri Amarnath Yatra. While a regional survey for the project is underway, the move has triggered alarm among local farmers, who fear that hundreds of acres of agricultural land will be rendered barren.
Farmer Aqib Mir voiced concerns about the devastating impact on the region’s economy. “This area is one of the most fertile in Kashmir, with orchards of apple, plum, cherry, peach, apricot, almond, and walnut. Paddy is also grown abundantly. Destroying this farmland will lead to a shortage of food grains and ruin livelihoods,” he said as per the news agency.
Protests have been intensifying, with demonstrations held earlier this week, including a sit-in. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, NC MLA from Bijbehara, met with protesting farmers and strongly condemned the project. “We do not need this railway line. The central government must not impose decisions on the people without their consent. If this railway line is constructed, it will destroy the agricultural economy and uproot small farmers,” Veeri said, adding that locals are prepared to intensify their agitation to save their land.
JKAP Chairman Altaf Bukhari echoed similar concerns, stating that the proposed route cuts through vital agricultural areas. “The railway line will devastate the livelihoods of small farmers. The government must respect the will of the people and cancel this project,” he said.
Farmers argue that the existing transportation network to Pahalgam is sufficient. Mir Aqib, a local farmer, said, “There is already a well-connected all-weather road from Anantnag to Pahalgam, with regular bus and taxi services. What is the need for a railway line that destroys our orchards and farms? This project serves no local interest.”
