Dr. Shabir Siddiqui, PDP leader, has urged the government to prioritize the interests of pony owners, cab drivers, and local residents in the proposed Gondola project in Pahalgam.
While welcoming the initiative, Siddiqui emphasized the need to safeguard the employment of pony wallas and protect the region’s delicate ecology and environment. He suggested relocating the Gondola to an alternative site with minimal disruption to local trade and environment.
“The government must ensure that development initiatives do not harm local livelihoods or the environment,” Siddiqui said. “We urge the government to conduct a thorough environmental impact assessment and engage with local stakeholders to find a solution that balances development with conservation and social responsibility.”