Srinagar, Dec 4 (KNS): PDP leader Iltija Mufti Wednesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration not to acquire fertile agricultural land for constructing a railway line in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district.

Speaking to reporters, Mufti highlighted the importance of preserving the livelihood of farmers and protecting the valley’s fragile ecology.

“The proposed railway line, starting from Pulwama and passing through Bijbehara and Awantipora, will cut through highly fertile land and orchards. This is a direct attack on people's livelihoods,” she said, adding that protests in Bijbehara reflect public dissatisfaction with the plan.

Mufti suggested that the railway line should be rerouted through non-agricultural land.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“The LG administration, under the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, is making decisions that criminalize livelihoods. Fertile agricultural land is being taken away, and it’s causing immense insecurity among people,” she said.

She also criticized unplanned urbanization projects, including the construction of satellite towns, warning of their adverse impact on Kashmir’s ecology. “These projects are being undertaken without proper urban planning or ecological considerations. This makes people feel more insecure,” Mufti added.

Her appeal to the administration is to consider the environmental and social implications before finalizing the railway line’s route. (KNS)