Srinagar, Dec 04: Member of Parliament (MP) from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Wednesday raised concerns over the two proposed railway lines in south Kashmir, demanding that Social Impact Assessments (SIA) be conducted before advancing with the projects. Mehdi accused the government of violating the Land Acquisition Act 2013, which mandates public consultation and an SIA before initiating large-scale infrastructural projects.
In a debate on the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha, MP Mehdi said there is a lack of transparency in the development of the Awantipora-Shopian and Anantnag-Pahalgam railway lines. According to the MP, the projects are being pushed forward without consulting local communities or conducting environmental evaluations, which he believes are critical steps in such initiatives.
“There are approximately 288 hectares of land, mostly used for horticulture, that will be affected by the railway lines,” Mehdi said. “This land is essential for the livelihoods of over 3.5 million people in Kashmir, who depend on horticulture, particularly apple orchards and agricultural fields. These projects risk destroying the region’s economy.”
The senior National Conference (NC) leader said many residents, particularly those in areas such as Zainapora, have expressed concern over the lack of public consultation. “The locals I spoke to told me they had not requested these railway lines, and they fear the environmental damage they could cause. Most of the families relying on apple orchards have an annual income of ₹15 lakh, and such projects could devastate their financial stability,” he said.
Ruhullah also criticised the “secretive nature” of the project surveys, accusing the authorities of ignoring the concerns of affected communities. “Surveys for these projects are being conducted without informing or involving the stakeholders. This lack of transparency is alarming,” he said.
The MP urged the Union Railway Minister to clarify the purpose of these projects and ensure compliance with legal procedures, including the mandatory public notice and Social Impact Assessment. “If these railway lines are truly necessary, the government must follow democratic processes and involve the people whose lands and livelihoods are at stake. Failing to do so not only violates the law but also undermines public trust,” he said.
Mehdi warned that the government’s approach appeared to reflect a “colonial mindset” imposing development projects without regard for the well-being of local populations.
Earlier this year, the Indian Railways sanctioned several railway projects in Jammu & Kashmir, including the doubling of the Baramulla-Banihal section, as well as the new lines connecting Baramulla-Uri, Sopore-Kupwara, Awantipora-Shopian, and Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam. Among these, the extension of the railway line through Shopian, an apple-producing region, has sparked widespread panic among locals, who fear the loss of their primary source of income.
In Zainapora, residents have questioned the necessity of the railway lines in the valley, asking why such projects are being prioritized without sufficient public consultation. Local leaders and activists are calling for a reevaluation of the projects, urging the authorities to conduct proper assessments and engage with the affected communities.
