The Cost Of Kashmir’s New Railway Line – OpEd
By Shaimin Raja
The construction of the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam railway line in Indian-administered Kashmir is an emblem of the broader socio-political and economic tensions in the region. While infrastructure development is often celebrated as a symbol of progress, the means and methods by which it is achieved can deeply undermine its benefits. This project, which intrudes upon the fertile apple orchards that sustain nearly 3.5 million farmers in Kashmir, exemplifies a flawed approach to development that disregards local livelihoods, ecological balance, and the region’s socio-political context.
Apple farming in Kashmir is more than a livelihood; it is a lifeline for approximately 27 percent of the region’s population. The government’s acquisition of 278 hectares (686 acres) of prime apple-growing land for the railway project threatens to sever this lifeline. Farmers like Muhammad Shafi, who have invested their lives and limited resources into cultivating these orchards, face not just financial loss but existential despair. Shafi’s 1,500 sq meter orchard, marked for the railway, lies deserted. The buds on the trees remain untended, signaling a year of lost harvest and income. The compensation offered by the government, though undisclosed, is unlikely to replace the steady income generated by these orchards. As Shafi poignantly notes, “One-time compensation is not going to feed us forever.” This sentiment echoes across the region where farmers understand that money cannot substitute for a sustainable livelihood that also ensures future security for their families.
Ecological Concerns
Beyond economic devastation, the environmental impact of the railway project is another critical issue. Kashmir’s delicate ecosystem, already under strain from various developmental activities, stands to lose significant forest cover. Environmentalist Raja Muzaffar Bhat warns that the project necessitates cutting down ample trees, which will have far-reaching consequences on local ecology and climate. The railway’s ecological footprint could exacerbate issues like soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and changes in microclimate, further endangering the livelihoods dependent on this land.
The manner in which the land acquisition is being conducted raises serious ethical and legal questions. According to Bhat, the acquisition process violates a 2019 law guaranteeing fair compensation and transparency. The lack of formal notice and the use of police and security forces to suppress protests highlight a blatant disregard for democratic norms and local stakeholders’ rights. Farmers like Shafi are not only losing their land but are also deprived of their voice in the process, deepening the sense of alienation and helplessness among the local population.
Socio-Political Ramifications
The historical and political context of Kashmir cannot be ignored in this scenario. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped the region of its special semi-autonomous status, there has been an increasing distrust towards the central government. Infrastructure projects like the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam railway are now viewed with suspicion, seen as tools for furthering New Delhi’s control rather than genuinely benefiting the local populace. Michael Kugelman from the Wilson Center highlights that post-2019, such projects are perceived not merely as development initiatives but as instruments of demographic and socio-political engineering. The fear is not of transient tourists or pilgrims but of long-term demographic shifts that could alter the region’s social fabric. This underlying anxiety makes any project, regardless of its potential benefits, a source of contention and resistance.
Path Forward
For development to be meaningful and sustainable, it must be inclusive and respectful of local contexts and livelihoods. The current approach to the railway project in Kashmir fails on these counts. It disregards the socio-economic fabric of the region, undermines ecological sustainability, and exacerbates political tensions.
A more thoughtful approach would involve genuine consultations with local stakeholders, transparent processes, and a focus on minimizing ecological damage. Alternative routes or technologies that reduce the impact on apple orchards and forests should be explored. Additionally, fair and adequate compensation packages that include long-term support for affected farmers could help mitigate the economic impact. The government must also work to rebuild trust with the local population. Development projects should aim to integrate the aspirations and needs of the people they affect rather than imposing top-down solutions. Only then can development become a true catalyst for progress rather than a source of conflict and despair.
In conclusion, the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam railway line represents a significant challenge in balancing development with local livelihoods and ecological sustainability. It is a stark reminder that progress must be pursued with sensitivity, inclusivity, and a deep respect for the communities it aims to serve. The future of Kashmir’s apple farmers, and the region at large, depends on finding this balance.