Baramulla MLA Javid Hassan Baigh highlights major development concerns, including the proposed Baramulla–Uri railway project, stone quarry restrictions and the implementation of the town’s Master Plan. (Image: Dynamite News)
Baramulla: Baramulla MLA Javid Hassan Baigh has highlighted key development concerns facing the district, raising questions about the proposed Baramulla–Uri railway project, restrictions on stone quarries and the implementation of the town’s Master Plan. He has also urged people to understand the limitations of the elected government under Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory administration.
The issues raised by Baigh highlight the challenges surrounding infrastructure development, access to construction materials and urban planning in the region.
Addressing concerns over the proposed Baramulla–Uri railway line, Baigh said the decision to defer the project was based on a collective assessment of relevant facts, local concerns and ground realities rather than the intervention of any single individual. He clarified that the decision should not be attributed solely to him, stressing that multiple factors were considered before the authorities reached their position.
The MLA expressed gratitude to the Union Home Minister, Union Railway Minister, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Chief Minister, stating that the concerns of residents in the affected areas deserved serious consideration. He also emphasised that major infrastructure projects must account for local conditions, route suitability and their potential impact on communities.
Baramulla MLA Questions Quarry Restrictions, Seeks Effective Implementation of Master Plan
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Baigh raised concerns over restrictions on stone quarries, arguing that limited access to locally available construction material was creating difficulties for development works in Baramulla. According to the MLA, shortages of essential materials could affect infrastructure projects, including road construction and other public works. He questioned why local stakeholders faced restrictions while some outside companies appeared to have better access to construction resources. Baigh called for the issue to be examined, highlighting the need to ensure that infrastructure projects have access to the materials required for timely execution.
He also stressed the importance of balancing environmental protection and lawful quarrying with the needs of local development. Addressing these concerns he suggested, would require coordination among the authorities responsible for regulating resources and implementing infrastructure projects.
Urban planning was another major concern highlighted by the Baramulla MLA, who stressed that the town’s Master Plan must translate into visible improvements rather than remain limited to planning documents. Baigh called for consultations with residents and other stakeholders to assess whether the plan was being implemented effectively.
He emphasised that urban development policies should reflect the town’s changing needs, infrastructure requirements and the aspirations of its residents. Effective implementation he indicated is essential to ensure that planning decisions contribute to organised urban growth and better infrastructure.
Baigh also addressed criticism directed at the National Conference-led government, saying that people should understand the limits of the elected administration's decision-making powers under the Union Territory framework. He argued that the elected government could not independently decide every issue as certain matters fell within the authority of other institutions and administrative bodies.
Describing the situation as challenging, MLA pointed to the difficulties these limitations could create when addressing local development concerns. At the same time, he urged people not to lose hope, emphasising the need to continue pursuing solutions despite administrative constraints.
The concerns raised by Baigh place infrastructure development, quarry regulation and urban planning at the centre of the discussion about Baramulla’s future. The proposed railway project, access to construction materials and implementation of the Master Plan are important local issues that require coordination between the elected government and the relevant authorities.
His remarks also underline the wider debate over the distribution of administrative powers in Jammu and Kashmir and how those responsibilities affect development decisions at the district level.
