Mehbooba Mufti criticises satellite township plan, warns of environmental disaster

Srinagar, Dec 18: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday strongly criticized the proposed satellite township projects in Jammu and Kashmir, warning that the project could trigger an environmental disaster.

She urged chief minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate action to halt the conversion of over 1.20 lakh kanals of fertile agricultural land for the townships, calling it a move that could disrupt Kashmir’s ecological balance and threaten its agricultural economy.

Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Mehbooba as per KINS questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the projects and raised concerns over their intended purpose. “We need clarity. Are these townships meant to decongest Srinagar and provide homes for local residents, or are they being developed for outsiders? This ambiguity is deeply troubling,” she said.

Mehbooba accused the government of ignoring the long-term environmental and economic consequences of the plan. “This isn’t just about land—it’s about food security, livelihoods, and the future of our fragile ecosystem. Destroying fertile farmland will have irreversible consequences,” she warned.

She also called upon chief minister Omar Abdullah to act decisively, emphasizing that this is an issue within his control. “There are many challenges the chief minister cannot influence, but this is something he can and must address. He owes it to the people of Kashmir to stop this before it’s too late,” she asserted.