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Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Manali residents oppose Turkish firm's conducting railway survey due to security environmental and livelihood concerns
Manali: Hoteliers and residents of this popular Himalayan destination have demanded the removal of Turkish firm Yüksel Proje from the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway survey, citing national security concerns and ecological threats to the fragile mountain region. Turkiye sided with Pakistan in the now-ceased Indian military operation against terror state within the neighbour's territory. At a press conference on Friday, Ved Ram Thakur, chief adviser to the Hotel Association of Manali, said public anger was growing against the involvement of the Turkish company, with several village panchayats also voicing opposition to the ongoing survey. "The survey was handed to Yüksel Proje, a Turkish firm known for its close ties with Pakistan and repeated anti-India statements on Kashmir," said lawyer Rewat Rana. "Entrusting strategic terrain mapping to a foreign firm from an adversarial country undermines national security — especially in a border-sensitive zone such as Himachal-Ladakh." Beyond geopolitical tensions, locals are also rejecting the proposed alignment of the railway line due to its projected environmental and economic fallout. "The current alignment would require the felling of more than 1 lakh trees," said Gyan Chand Thakur, a resident. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "This isn't just about deforestation — it would threaten water sources, destroy biodiversity, and cause irreversible damage to forest ecosystems. " Thakur warned the state that the route, which cuts through key agricultural and horticultural belts, would devastate apple orchards and farmlands — a cornerstone of the region's economy. "Thousands of families rely on fruit cultivation for their livelihood. The railway's path could uproot their future," he said. He further cautioned people that tunnel blasting, vibrations, and large-scale construction activity would erode the natural beauty that draws tourists to Manali each year, damaging the hospitality industry, transport operators, and artisans. With opposition mounting, the local hotel association and civil society groups have called on the central govt to cancel the Turkish firm's involvement and reconsider the railway alignment in consultation with local stakeholders. MSID:: 121215501 413 |
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Regional representatives in Manali raise concerns over Bilaspur Manali Leh railway survey conducted by Turkish company Yüksel Proje
Regional representatives of a hotel association in Manali besides local farmers, lawyers and orchadists held a press conference Friday raising serious concerns over the Bilaspur–Manali–Leh railway survey conducted by Turkish company Yüksel Proje . They stated in a press note that 'growing discontent' is visible across the region, with several Panchayats now openly opposing the survey done by the Turkish company. The speakers highlighted national security, environmental impact , and livelihood risks as 'key reasons' for demanding an immediate cancellation of the alignment done by the Turkish firm. Ved Ram Thakur, chief advisor of Hotel Association Manali and also the ex president of Pradhan's association, along with advocate Rewat Rana, orchardist Lalit Singh Thakur, and local farmer Gyan Chand Thakur were among those addressing the press conference. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 9 years ago - Most beautiful twins. Their appearance today will shock you Novelodge Undo The representatives said that while they wholeheartedly support India's development and strategic advancement, they firmly believe that any development must honour the principles of public interest, environmental protection, economic self-reliance, and above all, national security. "One of the most alarming facts is that the initial survey for this highly sensitive railway project was conducted by Yüksel Proje, a Turkish firm. Turkey is internationally known for its consistent support to Pakistan and for making anti-India statements on Kashmir. Allowing a foreign company from an unfriendly nation to survey our strategic terrain — especially in a border region like Himachal–Ladakh is not only questionable but a serious compromise of India's national security," stated the press note issued by the representatives. Live Events They stated that allowing a foreign entity with 'anti-India leanings' to collect sensitive geo-data and influence the alignment of a railway line passing through India's most strategically vulnerable terrain is a clear violation of national interest and must not be allowed to stand. The representatives are seeking an immediate cancellation of Yüksel Proje's involvement in this project, and a comprehensive national security review of all foreign participation in sensitive infrastructure initiatives. "A fresh alignment survey should be conducted solely by Indian agencies, giving due consideration to environmental conservation and local livelihoods," stated the press note issued by the representatives. They said besides national security concerns , the current alignment if implemented, would also be a blow to horticulture and livelihoods as it passes through fertile orchards, farmlands and densely inhabited rural zones besides damaging the tourism economy, as it will 'erode' the region's natural beauty and tranquility.
