Srinagar, Mar 22: Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (JKPDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday raised concerns over the implications of the railway project’s land acquisition in Shopian district and urged the Union Railways Minister to reconsider land acquisition plans for the project.
In a letter addressed to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Railways Minister, Mufti said the land acquisition for a railway project in the Reshi Pora, Zainpora will have a significant impact on the livelihoods of people. The land in question is primarily used for apple cultivation, which serves as the main source of income and survival for the residents, she said.
Mehbooba also expressed concern over the potential adverse effects of the land acquisition, saying that displacement from their ancestral lands would cause immense hardship to the affected families, who rely on horticulture, agriculture, and allied activities for their livelihoods.
“Indian Railways should reconsider altering the alignment of the railway line to minimise the impact on the affected communities. There should be slight changes in the route that could mitigate the adverse effects on the livelihoods of these individuals significantly,” she said.
The PDP president who visited the affected families on Thursday further said that if altering the alignment is not feasible, it is important to provide suitable and adequate compensation to those affected by the land acquisition.
“There is a need for fair compensation packages to ensure that the affected families can sustain themselves and rebuild their lives elsewhere,” she said.
Acknowledging the significance of infrastructure development projects like railways in enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth, the former CM said there is a need to prioritise the welfare and rights of the communities directly impacted by such projects.
“I request urgent attention and intervention from Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji to address the concerns raised by the affected people, who seek a mutually beneficial solution,” she added.
Scores of farmers in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have expressed their resentment against the proposed expansion of the railway line, fearing it would harm their livelihoods. The authorities have said the matter has been taken up with officials for further consideration.
