By Burhan Uz Zaman
According to the department of tourism, over 20 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir this year—a record-breaking figure and the highest ever. The numbers are impressive, especially considering the region’s decades of turmoil. These figures could have been even higher if not for the continuous unrest over the last three decades, as the region lies in a conflict zone.
Kashmir’s natural beauty, the very foundation of its tourism, is under threat. Unplanned and illegal constructions, particularly in scenic spots like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg, are slowly eating the Valley’s charm. According to a recent survey, illegal constructions in these areas have increased by nearly 20% over the past five years, indicating a serious challenge to sustainable tourism. If restrictions are not imposed, we risk losing what makes Kashmir special, both for locals and visitors.
Now, the issue isn’t just about the loss of scenic beauty—it’s about livelihoods too. Most of the Valley’s population relies on apple orchards and paddy fields, which are now at risk due to proposed railway projects. These include the Awantipora-Shopian, Anantnag-Pahalgam, Baramulla-Uri, and Sopore-Kupwara lines.
Does Kashmir Really Need These Railway Lines?
Railway connectivity is often used for long distances, like the Banihal-Baramulla railway line, Kashmir’s first and oldest railway line, which now connects Jammu to the Valley.
This line divides the valley almost in two equal parts and spans nearly 200 kilometers. The authorities have announced that trains will now run directly from Delhi by next year. Projects like the Chenab Bridge on this line are truly an engineering milestone in the history of Indian Railways, it is appreciable and making it a truly people-centric project. However, the same cannot be said for the new proposals.
If we consider routes like Bijbehara to Shopian or Anantnag to Pahalgam, the distances are barely 30-40 kilometers. What is the purpose of constructing railway projects for such short distances, especially when it endangers people’s livelihoods and natural heritage? Neither are these projects demanded by the people, as seen in the widespread resistance against them. Although there are claims that these projects will boost tourism in J&K, but the question remains: at what price? Can tourism flourish without the scenic beauty and clean environment that are being compromised with each passing day?
The Banihal-Baramulla railway line serves a legitimate need and benefits the masses. Plans to double this line make sense, as it will ease train movement without further need for additional land acquisition as the required land was already acquired during the proposal and construction of the first one. But projects like the Anantnag-Pahalgam and AwantiporaShopian lines raise questions about their necessity, given the limited distances involved and the already good road connectivity in these areas.
The Shrinking Land Crisis
There is already minimal land available in Jammu and Kashmir for agriculture and horticulture. This land is shrinking rapidly due to unregulated development projects and infrastructure. Experts warn that at the current rate of shrinkage, it will lead to food insecurity and economic instability.
These projects themselves violate the ‘Land Use Policy of India’, which suggests sustainable development that ensures the optimal use of land resources. The policy aims to conserve and protect sensitive ecosystems like forests and wetlands, promote eco friendly practices, and secure food security by protecting agricultural land. As per the policy, the government should follow a consultative and participatory approach when acquiring agricultural and cultivated land for such projects. So, the authorities should engage in discussions with landowners and local communities to understand their needs, concerns and alternatives.
As per 2016 data, the average landholding size in Jammu and Kashmir is only 0.33 hectares, far below states like Arunachal Pradesh (5.82 ha), Punjab (3.62 ha), Haryana (2.22 ha), and Rajasthan (1.73 ha). This highlights the precarious situation of land availability in the region. Shrinking agricultural land in a place with such low landholding sizes could devastate livelihoods.
The Economic Backbone at Risk
According to the Department of Horticulture, Jammu and Kashmir accounts for 75% of India’s apple production, contributing significantly to the region’s economy. Losing even a fraction of this industry would be devastating. Let’s not forget that the apple industry is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. Experts warn that these projects could deal a severe blow to this crucial sector, one that supports thousands of families. Tourism pales in comparison when considering the economic importance of agriculture and horticulture.
Unplanned Progress and Environmental Concerns
We’ve all seen what unplanned development can do. Look at Delhi’s choking air quality— an example of how progress without planning can backfire. The World Health Organization recently reported that South Asia has some of the most polluted cities in the world, and if such trends continue, Kashmir too could face severe environmental degradation. For example, the Anantnag-Pahalgam railway project could severely degrade the environment and threaten natural heritage. Pahalgam, famous worldwide for its scenic beauty, is at risk of losing its pristine charm.
Although road connectivity is good enough for these places, widening existing roads would be a viable alternative, with a much smaller environmental impact compared to these railway projects.
Public Resistance and Concerns
For almost a year, dozens of videos have circulated on social media where people demand that their voices be heard. Protests, especially by farmers, have erupted against these projects. Their message is clear: they are not against development but against the price they’re being asked to pay.
The Urbanization Threat
And it’s not just about the railway lines themselves. Once completed, these projects could trigger a construction boom along the tracks, particularly near stations. Think commercial and residential buildings stretching over a kilometer on both sides, adding to the already alarming rate of unregulated construction in the Valley. According to official data, urbanization in Kashmir has already grown by 12% in the past decade, raising concerns about overburdened infrastructure and ecological imbalance.
The Way Forward
Progress is essential—we all agree on that. But it must not come at the cost of people’s livelihood and natural heritage. Globally, alarm bells are ringing. The world is at a tipping point, with climate change and overdevelopment threatening fragile ecosystems. Can Kashmir afford to lose its paradise in the name of progress? The administration should rethink these projects and find a way to strike a balance, ensuring that development benefits the people without harming what makes Kashmir unique.
Kashmir deserves better, and so do its people. Let’s not trade paradise for progress.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
- The author can be reached out for feedback at [email protected]
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