Proposed Bijbehara-Pahalgam rail line threat to livelihood, ecology: Iltija Mufti

Anantnag, Dec 21: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Saturday criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for pursuing a proposed railway line project she claimed would threaten the livelihoods of local residents and the region's fragile ecology.

Speaking to media persons at Liver village of Pahalgam, Iltija protested against the proposed Bijbehara-Pahalgam railway line cutting through the orchards and forests.

 “People here are not against development. However, development at the expense of the livelihood of the people and the environment is unacceptable. The losses clearly outweigh the gains. We are standing at a spot surrounded by forests and orchards, which would be severely impacted by this project," she said.

Iltija recounted her meeting with an elderly widow owning just 1-2 Kanals of land.

"The primary livelihood here is horticulture, with many residents relying on apple and walnut cultivation. Some have even taken loans to sustain their orchards. If their land is taken, how will they survive?" she asked.

Concerned over the unemployment crisis, Iltija said that J&K already lacks a robust private sector, leaving many dependent on agriculture.

"Not everyone can secure a government job. For these people, horticulture is their lifeline, and you are even snatching it away," she said.

She also raised concern over the environmental impact of the project.

 "Jammu and Kashmir is an ecologically fragile region. Development projects must not harm our environment. We categorically reject this railway line through Bjbehara and Pahalgam villages," Iltiija asserted.

She compared the unplanned and environmentally disastrous development projects to those in Uttarakhand. "The government wreaked havoc with the ecology of Uttarakhand and now they are repeating it here,” Iltija said.

PDP workers accompanying her echoed her sentiments, chanting slogans against the proposed railway project. "Take back the railway project”. "We will never, under any circumstances, accept a railway line that jeopardizes the livelihoods and environment of this region," Iltija said.

She emphasized the need for development that balances economic growth with social and environmental sustainability.