The allocation of 5,000 kanals of agricultural land for the proposed National Institute of Technology (NIT) project in Pulwama has sparked concerns among the local farming community, who rely on this land for their livelihood.
Arshad Bhat, a prominent voice in the region, has emphasized that while the establishment of an NIT in Pulwama is a welcome step toward progress and development, it must not come at the expense of the local population’s well-being. The affected communities fear that losing this vast expanse of fertile land could render many families landless and jeopardize their primary source of income.
“The government must reconsider this decision and strike a balance between development and the protection of livelihoods. Progress should not come at the cost of pushing hardworking farmers into despair,” said Mr. Bhat in a statement.
Pulwama has long been recognized for its agricultural output, and the proposed land allocation risks undermining the region’s economic backbone. Stakeholders have called on authorities to explore alternative locations for the NIT project that do not involve the displacement of farmers or the loss of valuable farmland.
The local community urges the government to conduct an in-depth review of this decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with those directly impacted. By adopting a more inclusive approach, authorities can ensure that development projects contribute to the region’s growth without compromising the livelihoods of its people.
