Srinagar, Dec 18 (UNI) Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday raised alarm against several developmental projects claiming that they would be disastrous for the J&K environment.
Mufti expressed concern over the three projects including the proposed Rajouri Baramulla Highway Project, the Ring Road Project, and the expansion of the Railways.
“These projects, while aiming for progress, risk destroying the unparalleled beauty of the Kashmir Valley,” she said while addressing a press conference in Srinagar.
Mufti underscored the importance of sustainable development and criticized the lack of attention to environmental consequences in these plans.
Mufti called on the Omar Abdullah-led government to take a firm stand on the issue, as it falls under their jurisdiction.
She urged the administration to balance development with environmental conservation and ensure that any progress does not come at the cost of Kashmir’s natural and cultural heritage.
“It is the responsibility of the current government to prioritize sustainable and people-friendly development,” she stated.
On the proposed Rajouri Baramulla road, Mufti said this project is a disaster in the making.
“This highway cuts through some of the most eco-sensitive zones and projects like these, if pursued recklessly, will trigger ecological disasters similar to Joshimath,” she said.
She said the project runs parallel to the existing Mughal Road and questioned the need for such duplication.
“We have already invested heavily in the Mughal Road to connect Poonch, Rajouri, and Shopian. What purpose does a parallel highway serve, except to put unnecessary pressure on the environment and public funds?,” she asked.
On the proposed construction of satellite townships, Mufti raised concerns over the government’s proposal to construct 30 satellite townships along the Srinagar Ring Road, a project that would require approximately 1.2 lakh kanals of land, predominantly prime agricultural and horticultural areas.
She highlighted the adverse impact on local farmers, particularly in Budgam district, where 17 villages are expected to be significantly affected.
“This is a land-deficit region, and such plans violate the Srinagar Master Plan and the government’s land-use policy,” Mufti stated, questioning the necessity and intended beneficiaries of these townships.
He urged the government to provide clarity on the purpose of these developments. “If the townships are to decongest the Srinagar city where four or more families live in a single house it’s a welcome step. Why is the government silent on its implementation?” she asked.
On Railway network expansion Mufti, raised strong concerns over the government’s relentless push for multiple new railway lines in Kashmir, warning of devastating consequences for the region’s fragile ecology and local livelihoods.
“While improved connectivity is important, the blind expansion of railway infrastructure such as doubling the Baramulla-Banihal section and proposing new lines, especially through Shopian, and Pahalgam comes at a grave cost to Kashmir’s environment,” Mufti stated.
She criticized the government’s priorities, asserting that such large scale projects under the garb of “development” appear to serve interests beyond the local population.
