Locals say infrastructure growth must balance environmental protection, livelihoods, and community consultation
Syrier Dar:
Shopian, Kashmir:
Local residents of Tehsil Keegam on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest against the proposed railway line project, calling on the authorities to adopt a more sustainable and inclusive approach to development. Men, women, and youth from different villages gathered at a central location to voice their concerns in a calm, disciplined, and organized manner, underscoring that they are not opposed to development but fear irreversible damage to their land, environment, and livelihoods.
Carrying placards with peaceful messages and raising slogans without disrupting public order, the protesters highlighted the need for development projects to respect local realities. Community elders and local leaders repeatedly urged the gathering to maintain unity and discipline, stressing that the objective of the protest was dialogue, not confrontation.
Livelihoods at the Core of Concerns
Residents said that a significant number of families in Keegam depend on agriculture, orchards, and small businesses for their survival. They fear that land acquisition for the railway project could result in loss of fertile farmland, fruit-bearing trees, and residential areas, pushing many households into economic uncertainty.
“Our fields and orchards are not just land; they are our source of food, income, and dignity,” said one protester. “We are not against progress, but progress should not come at the cost of our survival.”
Local farmers said orchards take decades to develop and cannot be easily replaced. Small shop owners and service providers also expressed concern that displacement or reduced access could affect their businesses and local employment opportunities.
Environmental Impact Raises Alarm
Apart from economic implications, residents raised strong concerns over the environmental impact of the proposed railway line. Protesters warned that large-scale cutting of trees, soil disturbance, and construction activity could harm local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Environmental activists present at the protest said the region’s green cover plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, preventing soil erosion, and regulating local climate conditions. “Development without environmental safeguards can cause long-term damage that affects not just this generation, but future ones as well,” an activist said.
Residents emphasized that sustainable development must integrate infrastructure growth with environmental conservation, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like south Kashmir.
Demand for Consultation and Transparency
A key grievance highlighted during the protest was the alleged lack of proper consultation with affected communities. Protesters said decisions were made without adequately engaging local residents, violating the principles of participatory governance.
“We were never properly consulted. Plans were drawn on paper without understanding ground realities,” said a local elder. Protesters demanded transparency in project planning, access to detailed information, and a platform for meaningful dialogue with authorities.
They also called for fair compensation and rehabilitation measures for any land acquired, stressing that monetary compensation alone cannot replace long-term livelihood losses.
Call for Alternative Routes
Local leaders addressing the gathering appealed to the government to review the project alignment and explore alternative routes that would minimize damage to homes, farmland, and orchards. They said rerouting the railway line through less populated or less fertile areas could reduce displacement and environmental harm.
Syrier Dar:
Shopian, Kashmir:
Local residents of Tehsil Keegam on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest against the proposed railway line project, calling on the authorities to adopt a more sustainable and inclusive approach to development. Men, women, and youth from different villages gathered at a central location to voice their concerns in a calm, disciplined, and organized manner, underscoring that they are not opposed to development but fear irreversible damage to their land, environment, and livelihoods.
Carrying placards with peaceful messages and raising slogans without disrupting public order, the protesters highlighted the need for development projects to respect local realities. Community elders and local leaders repeatedly urged the gathering to maintain unity and discipline, stressing that the objective of the protest was dialogue, not confrontation.
Livelihoods at the Core of Concerns
Residents said that a significant number of families in Keegam depend on agriculture, orchards, and small businesses for their survival. They fear that land acquisition for the railway project could result in loss of fertile farmland, fruit-bearing trees, and residential areas, pushing many households into economic uncertainty.
“Our fields and orchards are not just land; they are our source of food, income, and dignity,” said one protester. “We are not against progress, but progress should not come at the cost of our survival.”
Local farmers said orchards take decades to develop and cannot be easily replaced. Small shop owners and service providers also expressed concern that displacement or reduced access could affect their businesses and local employment opportunities.
Environmental Impact Raises Alarm
Apart from economic implications, residents raised strong concerns over the environmental impact of the proposed railway line. Protesters warned that large-scale cutting of trees, soil disturbance, and construction activity could harm local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Environmental activists present at the protest said the region’s green cover plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, preventing soil erosion, and regulating local climate conditions. “Development without environmental safeguards can cause long-term damage that affects not just this generation, but future ones as well,” an activist said.
Residents emphasized that sustainable development must integrate infrastructure growth with environmental conservation, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like south Kashmir.
Demand for Consultation and Transparency
A key grievance highlighted during the protest was the alleged lack of proper consultation with affected communities. Protesters said decisions were made without adequately engaging local residents, violating the principles of participatory governance.
“We were never properly consulted. Plans were drawn on paper without understanding ground realities,” said a local elder. Protesters demanded transparency in project planning, access to detailed information, and a platform for meaningful dialogue with authorities.
They also called for fair compensation and rehabilitation measures for any land acquired, stressing that monetary compensation alone cannot replace long-term livelihood losses.
Call for Alternative Routes
Local leaders addressing the gathering appealed to the government to review the project alignment and explore alternative routes that would minimize damage to homes, farmland, and orchards. They said rerouting the railway line through less populated or less fertile areas could reduce displacement and environmental harm.
“We are requesting a review, not rejection,” said one community leader. “Development should be intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Peaceful Protest, Lawful Means
Security arrangements remained minimal throughout the protest, as the demonstration stayed peaceful from start to finish. Organizers ensured that traffic and public movement were not disrupted, reinforcing the residents’ commitment to lawful and democratic expression.
The protest concluded peacefully, with participants pledging to continue engaging with the administration through dialogue and legal channels. Residents said such peaceful protests are necessary to safeguard local rights and ensure that voices from the grassroots are heard in decision-making processes.
Sustainable Development the Way Forward
The Keegam protest has once again highlighted the growing demand for sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir—development that balances infrastructure expansion with environmental protection, economic security, and social justice. Experts say large projects must incorporate environmental impact assessments, community consultations, and long-term sustainability planning to ensure inclusive growth.
As the residents dispersed, their message remained clear: development is welcome, but only when it respects people, nature, and future generations. The community now awaits a response from the authorities, hoping that their peaceful appeal will lead to constructive engagement and a more sustainable path forward.
Peaceful Protest, Lawful Means
Security arrangements remained minimal throughout the protest, as the demonstration stayed peaceful from start to finish. Organizers ensured that traffic and public movement were not disrupted, reinforcing the residents’ commitment to lawful and democratic expression.
The protest concluded peacefully, with participants pledging to continue engaging with the administration through dialogue and legal channels. Residents said such peaceful protests are necessary to safeguard local rights and ensure that voices from the grassroots are heard in decision-making processes.
Sustainable Development the Way Forward
The Keegam protest has once again highlighted the growing demand for sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir—development that balances infrastructure expansion with environmental protection, economic security, and social justice. Experts say large projects must incorporate environmental impact assessments, community consultations, and long-term sustainability planning to ensure inclusive growth.
As the residents dispersed, their message remained clear: development is welcome, but only when it respects people, nature, and future generations. The community now awaits a response from the authorities, hoping that their peaceful appeal will lead to constructive engagement and a more sustainable path forward.
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