Indian government pauses railway lines in Kashmir over apple orchards
The Indian government just put three planned railway lines in Kashmir on hold, including the Kakpora-Pulwama-Shopian route.
This move follows strong pushback from local farmers and leaders, who worried the new tracks would destroy thousands of apple trees.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the pause after weeks of protests across Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag.
Apple orchards are a lifeline for south Kashmir
Apple orchards are a lifeline for south Kashmir—most farmland here is packed with high-density apple trees that can earn families up to ₹20 lakh per acre each year.
The railway projects risked wiping out 5-7 lakh trees and vital irrigation channels, sparking "Chipko Movement 2.0" protests where people literally hugged their trees to stop surveys.
Local leaders say pausing these projects will help protect both jobs and the region's way of life.