B L Saraf
bushanlalsaraf@gmail.com
One of the striking features of the developmental program that has been unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir, since 2001, is the story of road and rail connectivity. The existing National Highway stands upgraded and another one has been put in place in the Pir Panchal sub- region. Alongside, came the extension of railway line to Srinagar and other areas of the Valley. These measures have undoubtedly helped hassle free up and down traffic movement of men and material. Thus, contributing to the economic betterment of Kashmir, in particular, and of the whole state in general. In continuation of the program, now rail network is being expanded to some more areas of the Valley.
As a part of the growing railway network and other infra-structural activity , extension of railway line from Kakapora, in Pulwama, district to the place in Shopian district is under way .Preliminary work having been done , work on substantial part of the project has , reportedly , taken off . The project has evoked mixed reactions among the people who are likely to get affected on its completion .In fact reactions are sharp and border on extremes. For some the Rail line will bring prosperity to the area as it will facilitate economical, faster and round the year transportation of passengers and the goods – to and fro Kashmir. They say it will be big boost for the horticulture industry which is a mainstay of the local economy. More specifically, they argue, it will help speedy and cost effective transportation of apple fruit to the markets across country. To many, when seen other way, the very industry will receive a mortal blow whose development is visualized by the proponents of the rail track – spelling an economic disaster for the area . Their counter argument is that when there is no fruit available what can be transported forward? On the face of it, both proponents and the opponents of the project have merit in their arguments. A comparative analyses of the matter is, therefore, need of the hour.
There is no denying that whereever rail has reached it has brought in economic and social developments of substantial proportion to the place. So has the area prospered through which the rail tract passed on .It could be so in the case of Kakpora – Shopian rail project also. But then, here, one has to consider the terrain it will pass through, the sparse fertile agricultural land and, above all, the size and count of the acreage of orchards having apple trees will come under the track. According to an approximate estimate arrived at by the knowledgeable persons, who in their public service career had headed the horticulture operations in Kashmir, about five lac apple bearing trees will get felled down, resulting in loss of fifty lacs of fruit boxes (ten boxes per tree), which in turn will translate into the loss of millions of rupees to the small and medium apple growers and the fruit traders of the affected area . When put on a comparative scale, according to these esteemed persons, loss suffered by many will far outweigh the gain which may accrue to some by operationalzing the rail project.
Then there is a third angle to the matter, probably the most significant one, which has ecological and environmental implications. It is a statement of fact that cutting down of lacs of green and healthy tress (fruit bearing or otherwise) impacts environment and creates ecological concerns of serious nature. Every infrastructural project has inbuilt tendency to disturb ecology. How serious it could be depends upon the volume and size of the proposed project? Therefore, it becomes important to engage local people in the decision making process before there is a movement on this account. In case the development is lopsided it will be against the broader interests of the people in general. The reported alignment of the rail project in discussion, here, is most likely to impact the ecological imperatives, adversely.
In the context of Global Climate change phenomenon – often witnessed these days – any tinkering or change in J&K’s fragile topography and geographical map will disturb the ecological environment and spell a disaster . If any proof is required in this regard, last summer’s frequent and unprecedented cloud bursts, landslides and floods may suffice. The National Highway received the massive hit. That makes it imperative for all to have regard for ecological governance and conservation of the precious land which has already shrunk almost to the extinction.
True, previous summer’s experience of road closure and consequent delayed transportation of the perishable commodity like fresh fruit has brought added focus on the need of having an alternate and weather compliant mode of the transport. A railway, without any saying, could provide one. Last summer when floods caused surface roads to cave in, dozens of rail wagons ferried tons of the apple fruit to the markets all over India and salvaged something for the poor growers and dealers. Seen in the context, importance of having railroad to reach apple orchards can’t be underestimated.
On an unbiased note: it is desirable to protect the local economic resources and ensure cost effective and all weather transport facility. Rail on the tracks will provide one such mode and ensure growth. But that growth has to be a sustainable one and people friendly. It shouldn’t disturb ecology or have adverse effect on the geographical environment. A symbiotic and a beneficial relationship rather than a mutually destructive one is called for. Being a native of the place and having some knowledge of the topography and terrain, I may say that it shouldn’t be difficult to find a mutually beneficial way to accommodate both the viewpoints. Parallel to the road joining Kakapora railway station and the proposed railway station in Shopian, many barren stretches of land are available, which with some additions and alterations can be utilized for the purpose. Both, the rail project and the fruit trade must survive in a friendly environment. A way out has to be looked for.
(The author is Former Principal District & Sessions Judge)
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