Railway vs. Farmland: Iltija Mufti’s Plea to Protect Anantnag’s Fertile Lands
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti has raised concerns about the proposed Jammu and Kashmir railway project that risks encroaching on fertile agricultural lands in the Anantnag district. Calling for a more sustainable approach, Mufti has urged the government to reconsider the alignment of the railway line to preserve the region's crucial farmland.
Speaking to reporters, Mufti highlighted the potential devastation this project could cause to Anantnag’s agrarian economy, which sustains thousands of families. "The fertile lands of Anantnag are not just a source of food but also a livelihood for countless farmers. Destroying them for development is neither fair nor necessary," she remarked.
She criticized the government's disregard for local interests, accusing officials of prioritizing infrastructure over people’s lives. “Development must be balanced. You can’t snatch farmers’ fields and expect progress,” Mufti said.
The railway project aims to improve connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir, a longstanding demand for economic integration and tourism growth. However, critics argue that alternative routes, less disruptive to fertile lands, must be explored.
While the government insists on the project’s significance for the region’s development, Mufti’s plea has found support among environmentalists and local farmers. They fear the irreversible loss of arable land will lead to economic insecurity and ecological damage.
The standoff between development and sustainability continues, raising questions about the cost of progress. Will the government listen to Mufti’s call and preserve Anantnag’s green legacy? Or will farmland be sacrificed at the altar of infrastructure? The stakes remain high for both the land and its people.
