Senior BJP leader Arshad Bhat has voiced serious concerns over the impact of two major developmental projects in Pulwama – the railway expansion and the establishment of a National Institute of Technology (NIT). According to Bhat, these initiatives threaten to disrupt the livelihoods of a significant portion of the local population.
“Pulwama’s public is in despair. Projects in the name of development, such as the railway and NIT, will snatch the livelihoods of the majority of our people. Agriculture and horticulture, which are the lifeline of this region, will be severely hit,” Bhat stated.
Pulwama is widely recognized for its thriving agricultural economy, particularly its saffron cultivation, paddy fields, and apple orchards. Local residents fear that the acquisition of farmland for these projects will result in widespread displacement, loss of income, and irreversible environmental damage.
While the government has touted these projects as transformative for the region’s connectivity and educational prospects, critics argue that they come at a steep cost. Many residents and activists have called for alternative strategies to achieve development without compromising the region’s agrarian backbone.
Bhat’s comments have sparked a political debate, with opposition leaders questioning his party’s commitment to safeguarding local interests. Meanwhile, local authorities have assured the public of compensation and rehabilitation for those affected, though details remain unclear.
As the projects move forward, tensions in Pulwama continue to rise, with calls for a balanced approach that prioritizes sustainable development and the well-being of its people.
