SRINAGAR: Under the garb of Railway expansion plan in Indian Occupied Kashmir the huge area under famous Kashmiri apple orchards is being destroyed and a large number of apple growers are being deprived of their earning.
The orchards of Kashmiri apple famous across the globe for its sweetness and fragrance are being cut for installing railways line.
Besides apple and other fruits and vegetables, most precious specy Saffron, known as Golden Herb is out come these orchards which are earning of thousands families in these areas.
These dense orchards are vital source of income for generations of farmer Indian occupied Kashmir, are facing a new challenge, a proposed railway expansion project. The project envisions five new railway lines crisscrossing the valleym particularly in North Kashmir, including a 26-kilometer stretch from Awantipora to Shopian.
The Narendra Modi government touts the project’s benefits, claiming it will create jobs, improve transportation, and boost tourism. However, residents see it a conspiracy aimed at slicing countless apple trees in name of railway expansion.
Farmers like Bashir Ahmed Bhat worry the project will wipe out their orchards, threatening the very foundation of their income and way of life.
Residents emphasize the generational connection to their land. Abdul Rashid Ganie argues the compensation offered cannot replace the land that has sustained his family for generations and will continue to do so for future ones.
The apple industry in Kashmir is already facing challenges due to climate change, import competition, and transportation hurdles. The railway project adds another layer of stress, potentially impacting millions of tonnes of annual apple exports and the 2.3 million people employed in the horticulture sector.
Residents fear the large-scale felling of trees will disrupt the delicate ecological balance, impacting rainfall and snow patterns crucial for the region’s agriculture. Abdul Gani Reshi highlights the importance of preserving these trees for future generations and a healthy environment.
Farmers argue that suitable land exists outside the orchard-rich areas. They urge authorities to explore alternative routes that minimize the impact on these vital ecosystems.
The proposed railway expansion has sparked protests and outrage among residents.
They feel unheard and question why a project with such potential downsides was undertaken without public consultation. Rehti Begum, a local resident, pleads with the government to reconsider the route and prioritize the well-being of the community.
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