SRINAGAR: Apple growers and residents of Newa and surrounding villages in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the proposed acquisition of 5,000 kanals (625 acres) of fertile horticultural land for establishing a National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus in the district.
In their letter, the locals acknowledged the importance of education and the establishment of premier institutions like the NIT but emphasised the catastrophic impact the decision could have on the region’s horticultural economy, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
The letter stressed that the apple industry sustains millions of lives across India and aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of making India the world’s largest apple producer. However, the acquisition of highly fertile orchard land for the NIT campus, they argued, could derail this progress and cause irreversible damage to the region’s economy and ecology.
The growers highlighted the potential economic loss, estimating that the land could generate Rs 1,500-2,000 crore in revenue over the next decade. Thousands of families dependent on orchard-based farming, packaging, transportation, and trading would face severe economic hardships if the land were repurposed.
“This isn’t just an industry—it’s a lifeline,” the letter read, warning of increased unemployment and social instability in the region if the project proceeds as planned.
The environmental consequences were also a key concern, with the letter noting that orchards play a vital role in maintaining soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. Destroying these orchards would lead to ecological degradation, exacerbating the effects of climate change in the district.
“Destroying this orchard-based industry not only affects the economy but erodes the cultural legacy that has defined Kashmir for centuries,” the growers said.
The apple growers proposed a constructive solution: identifying barren or non-agricultural land for the NIT campus. This approach, they argued, would allow for progress and development without compromising fertile lands or livelihoods.
In their appeal, the growers expressed faith in the Prime Minister’s commitment to inclusive growth and urged him to intervene to protect Newa Pulwama’s horticultural heritage.
“We are not against progress or development. We support the establishment of educational institutions like the NIT, but not at the cost of our fertile lands and the livelihoods of thousands of families,” the letter read.
The apple growers concluded their appeal with hope that Prime Minister Modi would consider their plea, prioritize the protection of Kashmir’s land and legacy, and ensure sustainable development for the region.
