ibn sultan
Srinagar, Feb 3: The Centre has put on hold three proposed railway projects in Kashmir following objections raised by local residents, apple growers, and elected representatives over large-scale land acquisition and its potential impact on orchards and agricultural land.
According to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that while a railway line already connects Srinagar with Baramulla, there had been proposals for three additional railway lines in the Valley. However, concerns were raised by the Jammu and Kashmir government and Members of Parliament regarding the adverse impact of these projects on apple orchards.
“The Jammu and Kashmir government and MPs pointed out that these proposed railway lines would significantly affect apple orchards. In view of these concerns, the government has decided to keep the projects on hold,” the Railway Minister said.
The decision comes in the backdrop of sustained protests by apple growers and residents of Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag districts. Protesters had expressed fears that the projects would lead to loss of agricultural and horticultural land, damage orchards, and cause displacement of families.
Over the past few months, several demonstrations were held across south Kashmir, with locals demanding rerouting of the proposed railway lines, fair compensation, and prior consultation before any land acquisition
