Srinagar, Dec 06: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Zaffer Mir (Lasjan) met with delegations from Gowharpora, Kuzwera, Khanda, Sanzipora, Wathoora and other villages affected by the proposed Ring Road Satellite Colony project.
The delegations expressed grave concerns about the potential loss of vital agricultural land and the diminishing space for cattle grazing and animal husbandry, Mir said in a statement issued here.
Addressing these issues, Mir urged the NC-led government to provide clarity on the proposal. “The valley is already grappling with limited agricultural land due to its unique geographical constraints. If implemented, this project will deprive these villagers of their primary source of livelihood,” he said.
Following the discussions, Zaffer visited the proposed site and released a detailed video outlining the implications of the project. He cautioned against sacrificing fertile land for development, saying, “We are not against progress or integrated housing infrastructure, but it must not come at the expense of our farmers’ livelihoods and the valley’s food security.”
The PDP leader called for a balanced approach and suggested utilizing higher-altitude, non-arable areas, such as Badamibagh, for such projects.
“Kashmir’s agricultural land is our lifeline. Development projects should be planned in a way that preserves the valley’s agri-economy and sustains rural livelihoods,” he said.
Mir urged the government to reconsider its strategy to ensure that development efforts do not marginalise rural communities or jeopardise the region’s fragile agricultural ecosystem.
