Concerned citizens and social activists have raised alarms over the extensive degradation of ‘karewas’ (fileds) in the Parigam Newa village of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, criticizing the authorities for disfiguring these unique landscapes under the guise of development.
Karewas, known for their fertile soil and historic almond and saffron cultivation, are being stripped of their topsoil, with over 400 dumpers of soil reportedly transported to other areas.
“This large-scale excavation has devastated the agricultural fields and left the surrounding village at heightened risk of landslides,” some activists told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
Activists have questioned the role of the Pollution Control Committee and Land Revenue Authorities in permitting such activities, pointing out the unchecked soil extraction has caused significant air pollution.
“Nobody knows under whose orders this soil cutting is happening,” a local remarked, adding, “If this is development, then we don’t need it.”
The locals have called on the Deputy Chief Minister and the Mining Minister to visit the affected areas and witness the destruction firsthand.
They urge the government to take immediate measures to halt the massive soil cutting and protect the karewas, which have long been a hallmark of Pulwama’s agricultural and cultural heritage. [KNT]
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