The government told the Assembly that final location surveys are underway for four proposed railway lines in Kashmir, with compensation assured to landowners.
Feb 19, Srinagar: The government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that Northern Railway is conducting final location surveys for four proposed railway lines in the Kashmir Valley and assured that landowners will be compensated as per law once the projects are sanctioned.
Responding to a question tabled by MLA Javid Hassan Baig regarding railway expansion, the Transport Department said the proposed lines include Baramulla–Uri, Sopore–Kupwara, Anantnag–Bijbehara–Pahalgam and Kakapora–Shopian.
The government said the alignments have been finalized in consultation with the concerned district administrations. It added that land requirements have been assessed and, if the projects receive approval, compensation will be provided to landowners for acquisition of land, trees and structures in accordance with applicable laws.
Addressing concerns over diversion of fertile agricultural land and rehabilitation of affected farmers, the government reiterated that compensation will be paid in line with legal provisions during the execution stage.
On environmental safeguards, the reply stated that once sanctioned by the Government of India, mitigation measures will be implemented as per environmental policy and prevailing guidelines to address deforestation, soil erosion, water resource disruption and ecological imbalance.
The government said coordination with the Government of India and Indian Railways will be maintained during execution to minimize social and environmental impacts. District administrations will remain involved to address local concerns and ensure compliance with prescribed environmental and social safeguards.
