Pulwama’s Plateaus: Under Development or Destruction?

Pulwama’s ‘karewas’: From fertile treasures to barren wastelands, sacrificed at the altar of ‘development.

The residents of Pulwama district are raising alarm over the rampant degradation of karewas, the fertile plateaus that are the lifeblood of Kashmir’s agricultural and cultural heritage. Under the guise of development, unchecked soil excavation has turned once-thriving lands into barren expanses, threatening the livelihood and environment of the region. 

In Parigam Newa, a historically rich area for almond and saffron cultivation, the damage is severe. Over 400 truckloads of karewa soil have been removed, devastating topsoil and leaving the land vulnerable to irreversible damage. Locals are witnessing their fertile fields stripped bare, while the transportation of this soil to other regions continues unabated. 

Social activists and concerned residents warn of far-reaching consequences. The destruction of these karewas has led to increased risks of landslides, degraded agricultural potential, and worsening air quality. “This activity has devastated our agricultural fields, and now we are forced to deal with the environmental fallout,” lamented a local activist. 

Villagers have harshly criticized authorities, particularly the Pollution Control Committee and Land Revenue Departments, for their apparent negligence. Despite the glaring destruction, no meaningful measures have been taken to curb this reckless excavation. “If this is development, we don’t need it,” exclaimed an outraged villager, calling into question the so-called developmental agenda behind this devastation. 

The implications of this destruction go beyond the immediate loss of fertile land. The karewas, unique to the Kashmir Valley, are integral to Pulwama’s cultural and agricultural identity. Their degradation threatens centuries-old farming traditions and disrupts the delicate ecological balance of the area. 

The residents are demanding urgent intervention to halt the soil cutting and restore the karewas to their former glory. This is not just about land; it is about preserving a way of life and safeguarding the environment for future generations. However, their calls for action seem to fall on deaf ears as the destruction continues unchecked. 

Pulwama’s karewas stand as silent witnesses to a deeper crisis—the unchecked exploitation of natural resources under the guise of development.