Farmers urge PM to reconsider Land Acquisition for NIT in Pulwama
By: Mushtaq ul Islam
Pulwama: Farmers and apple growers from Newa and neighboring villages in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to reconsider the acquisition of 5,000 kanals (625 acres) of fertile horticultural land for a proposed National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus.
In their heartfelt letter, the locals highlighted the potential economic, environmental, and cultural fallout of the decision, while underscoring their support for development initiatives.
“We are not against progress or development,” they wrote, “but this decision threatens to devastate the region’s horticultural economy, livelihoods, and cultural identity.”
The apple industry, described as “a lifeline that sustains millions across India,” plays a crucial role in the region’s economy. The growers warned that repurposing this fertile land would derail India’s goal of becoming the world’s largest apple producer. They estimated the potential revenue loss at Rs. 1,500-2,000 crore over the next decade and highlighted the severe hardships that would befall families dependent on orchard farming, transportation, and trade.
The letter also shed light on the environmental risks of removing orchards, which help conserve soil, water, and biodiversity.
“Destroying these orchards will lead to ecological degradation, worsening the effects of climate change in Pulwama,” the farmers cautioned.
While expressing support for the establishment of premier educational institutions like NIT, the growers proposed that barren or non-agricultural land be considered for the campus instead. “We support educational progress, but not at the cost of fertile lands and the livelihoods of thousands of families,” they said.
Concluding their appeal, the farmers invoked PM Modi’s vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development. “We trust in your leadership and urge you to protect Newa Pulwama’s horticultural heritage while ensuring sustainable progress for the region,” they wrote.
The farmers expressed hope that their plea would be heard and that the fertile lands of Pulwama, vital to the region’s economy and cultural legacy, would be preserved.
