The Diplomat Desk
Srinagar, (TDD) – National Conference leader and Member of Parliament, Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, today raised significant concerns in the Lok Sabha regarding the proposed railway line connecting Anantnag, Bijbehara, and Pahalgam in South Kashmir. Mehdi urged the Union Government to conduct a thorough social impact assessment before proceeding with the project, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the legal provisions of the Land Acquisition Act.
During his address in Parliament, Mehdi pointed out that the law requires prior public notice and a detailed social impact study before any land acquisition. He questioned whether these essential legal steps had been followed in the case of the proposed railway project, highlighting the lack of communication and the absence of any proper evaluation of its potential impact on local communities.
The National Conference leader also cast doubt on the necessity of the railway line, claiming that there has been no significant demand from the local population for such a project. He expressed concern that the initiative could severely disrupt the region, as it would affect over 200 hectares of fertile agricultural and horticultural land, which supports the livelihoods of approximately 23% of the local population.
“People are protesting because their livelihoods are at risk,” Mehdi stated. “This project could devastate the agricultural economy in this region. It is crucial that we fully understand the consequences before moving forward.”
Mehdi urged the Union Railway Minister to intervene, clarify the necessity of the railway line, and ensure that a comprehensive social impact assessment is conducted to safeguard the interests of the affected communities. He emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of the people, especially when such a significant portion of the local economy is at risk.
The proposed railway project has sparked protests in the region, with locals expressing concerns about the destruction of agricultural land on which they rely for their livelihoods. Mehdi’s intervention in Parliament reflects growing anxiety over the project’s potential long-term effects on the rural population of South Kashmir. (TDD)
