Rail Projects Halted in Kashmir After Apple Farmers Protest | Ground Report

Описание: When Mohammad Aslam Mir saw yellow survey poles suddenly appear in his century-old apple orchard in Pulwama, Kashmir, he knew his family's legacy was under threat. These poles marked the route of a proposed 27.6-kilometer railway line from Kakapora to Shopian—a project that could destroy 500,000 to 700,000 apple trees.

In a region where 3.3 million people depend on horticulture and Kashmir produces over 75% of India's apples, this railway line became more than an infrastructure project—it became a fight for survival.

Farmers across Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag launched massive protests. On February 3, 2025, the Centre announced a halt to the project. But for farmers like Mohammad Aslam Mir, the relief is temporary. The yellow poles still stand in their orchards, and the fear remains: What if the project restarts?

🔹 Why farmers oppose the Kakapora-Shopian railway line
🔹 The economic impact on Kashmir's apple industry
🔹 Environmental concerns raised by experts
🔹 Ground reports from affected villages in Pulwama and Shopian
🔹 What happens next for Kashmir's apple growers

This is the untold story of Kashmir's apple farmers fighting to protect their land, livelihood, and legacy.

Reported By: Tufail Ganie, Ada Bhat

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