MUSHTAQ BALA
The fertile farmlands of Jammu and Kashmir are more than just picturesque landscapes; they are the lifeblood of the region’s economy, culture, and future livelihoods. However, with alarming speed, these lands are disappearing, often consumed by urbanization and infrastructure projects. The proposal to shift the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar to Newa Pulwama, consuming 4,834 kanals of fertile fruit land, raises serious concerns about the region’s agricultural sustainability and ecological balance.
A Threat to Livelihoods and Ecology
The fertile lands of Newa Pulwama are a cornerstone of Kashmir’s agricultural economy, particularly its thriving horticulture sector. These lands not only support thousands of farming families but also contribute significantly to the region’s GDP through fruit production. Sacrificing such a vast expanse of productive farmland for infrastructure would be an irreversible loss, potentially jeopardizing the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on this land for their sustenance.
Waheed Para, MLA, has voiced his concern, stating:
“Newa Pulwama’s Kherwa land, a vital almond-producing area sustaining thousands of livelihoods, must not be used for the proposed NIT. We urge its relocation to Shal Dramun, Chetergam, Tral—6,000 kanals near a scenic hill, better suited for the project.”
Para’s suggestion to relocate the project underscores the importance of prioritizing agricultural sustainability while exploring alternative locations for development.
Moreover, agricultural land plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the valley. Farmlands act as carbon sinks, regulate water cycles, and support biodiversity. Their loss would exacerbate environmental challenges in a region already grappling with the effects of climate change.
Alternatives Exist: Expand NIT Hazratbal
Proponents of the move argue that NIT Srinagar needs more space to accommodate its growing requirements. However, a far more sustainable solution lies in expanding the existing NIT campus at Hazratbal. The campus, located near Dal Lake, offers ample opportunities for vertical and horizontal development without encroaching on agricultural land. Such an expansion would preserve farmland while meeting the institution’s needs.
The Alarming Disappearance of Farmland
Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural land is vanishing at an unprecedented rate due to rapid urbanization and unplanned development. According to recent data, the valley has lost significant acreage of farmland over the past decade, with disastrous implications for food security and local economies. Protecting what remains is not just an environmental imperative but a socio-economic necessity.
Preserving the Last Hope for Future Generations
The fertile lands of Kashmir are a finite resource, and their preservation is vital for the region’s future. Shifting NIT Srinagar to Newa Pulwama would set a dangerous precedent, prioritizing short-term infrastructure gains over long-term agricultural and environmental sustainability.
The government and policymakers must reconsider this proposal and explore alternatives that do not involve sacrificing vital farmland. Waheed Para’s call to relocate the project to Shal Dramun, Chetergam, Tral—a location with 6,000 kanals near a scenic hill—provides a viable and thoughtful alternative.
As stewards of this land, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that agriculture—Kashmir’s heritage and lifeline—is preserved for future generations. In the race for development, we must not forget that the true wealth of Kashmir lies in its fields, orchards, and the people who cultivate them.
Mushtaq Bala is Editor-In-Chief of Kashmir Pen and can be reached at mushtaqabala@gmail.com
