‘Who will live in these townships’, we want to know‘
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, TDD,Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today strongly condemned the proposed satellite township projects in Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning that they could lead to an environmental disaster and jeopardize the region’s fragile agricultural economy.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mehbooba criticized the large-scale conversion of over 1.20 lakh kanals of fertile agricultural land for these projects, calling it a reckless move with far-reaching consequences. “This project risks disrupting Kashmir’s ecological balance and destroying its agrarian foundation,” she stated.
Mehbooba demanded clarity from the government about the intended purpose of these townships. “Are these townships designed to decongest Srinagar and provide housing for local residents, or are they meant to accommodate outsiders? This ambiguity raises serious questions about the motives behind the project,” she said, hinting at fears of demographic shifts.
She accused the government of neglecting the long-term impact on the region’s environment and food security. “This isn’t just about land. It’s about safeguarding livelihoods, ensuring food security, and protecting Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem. Turning fertile farmland into concrete structures will have irreversible consequences,” Mehbooba warned.
Calling on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to act decisively, she emphasized that this issue falls under his purview. “There are many challenges beyond the chief minister’s control, but this is something he can and must address. He has the responsibility to protect Kashmir’s future from this ill-conceived plan,” she asserted.
The satellite township proposal has already faced significant opposition from environmentalists, activists, and political groups, all of whom warn of its detrimental effects on the region’s natural resources and cultural fabric. Mehbooba’s remarks add to the growing calls for halting the project and ensuring greater accountability from the government.
As concerns mount, Mehbooba’s warning underscores the urgent need to balance developmental ambitions with environmental preservation in Jammu and Kashmir. She cautioned that prioritizing unchecked urbanization over sustainable growth could have catastrophic consequences for generations to come (TDD)
