MP Agha Ruhullah Calls for Social Impact Assessment for 2 New Railway Lines in Kashmir

Srinagar: Member Parliament on Srinagar seat Agha Ruhulluh Mehdi has raised critical concerns in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday regarding the proposed railway line connecting Anantnag, Bijbehara, and Pahalgam in South Kashmir.

Mehdi urged the Union Government to carry out a comprehensive social impact assessment before advancing the project, emphasising the need to adhere to the legal provisions of the Land Acquisition Act.

In his address, Mehdi pointed out that the law requires prior public notice and a thorough social impact study before any land acquisition can take place. He questioned whether these essential steps had been followed for the railway project, highlighting a lack of communication and proper evaluation of its potential impact on the local community.

The National Conference leader also raised concerns about the necessity of the railway line, noting that there had been no significant demand from the public for such infrastructure. He expressed apprehension that the project would result in the loss of over 210 hectares of fertile agricultural and horticultural land, which supports the livelihoods of around 23 per cent of the local population.

“People are protesting because their livelihoods are at risk,” Mehdi said. “This project could severely harm the agricultural economy of the region, and it is crucial that we fully understand its consequences before proceeding.”

Mehdi urged the Union Railway Minister to intervene and clarify the necessity of the railway line. He called for a detailed social impact assessment to protect the well-being of the affected communities.

The proposed project has triggered protests from locals, who fear the loss of valuable agricultural land that is vital to their livelihoods. Mehdi’s intervention reflects growing concerns about the long-term impact on the rural population of South Kashmir.