The recent move by the Government of India to stop three planned railway projects in Kashmir has been seen as more than just a bureaucratic choice. By prioritizing the preservation of apple orchards, the government has delivered a strong and wonderful message: ‘progress will not trample on people’s dignity’. This decision has brought immense relief and a sense of hope to the people of the valley. It proves that such decisions can ease long-standing fears and rebuild trust between the state and its citizens. Apple orchards in Kashmir are more than just fields for growing fruit; they carry stories of heritage and tradition. Families have relied on these orchards for years, not just to earn a living but also to maintain their sense of identity, pride, and economic security. These orchards create jobs at many levels. They provide income to farmers daily workers, transporters cold-storage employees, shop owners, and traders. The entire rural way of life depends on this type of farming.

When people heard that new railway routes might cut through these prized orchards, their concern was justified. It was not about opposing development but about the fear of losing something that cannot come back as it takes years to grow an orchard, and no amount of compensation or other job options can bring back what would be destroyed in a short time. The government decided to pause, reassess, and stop these projects showing an understanding of the situation, therefore the signal government passed is heart winning. It gave........

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