Srinagar, Nov 02 (KNO): Residents of the Patal Bagh area in Pampore of south Kashmir's Pulwama district are calling for the relocation of a garbage dumping site that encroaches on saffron fields and threatens the area’s heritage crop.
Local residents expressed their concerns to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), saying that authorities have been dumping waste directly in the saffron fields of Patal Bagh. They said this adversely affects the saffron industry, which currently attracts hundreds of tourists.
Farooq Ahmad, a Pampore resident, said the dumping of garbage on state land is attracting dogs and wild animals, such as porcupines, which are damaging the saffron corns. He urged the government to transfer the state land to the floriculture department for development into a garden area where tourists can rest while visiting the saffron fields.
“With continuous dumping, how can we expect tourists to visit?” he asked. “There is a contradiction between government claims of promoting agro-tourism and the reality of waste disposal in saffron-growing areas.”
Local resident Haseena Banoo said women are afraid to visit their saffron fields due to the presence of stray dogs, and farmers nearby are deterred by the foul smell and fear of animal attacks. “Neglecting these fields could lead to a decline in saffron production and threaten the survival of this heritage crop,” she said.
According to locals, many young people rely on selling saffron and related products to tourists. “If the dumping continues, the visitor numbers will dwindle, which will jeopardise the livelihoods dependent on this sector,” they said.
The residents said they have brought this issue to the attention of local authorities and remain hopeful for immediate action. They are urging the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama and the Director of Agriculture to address the matter to protect this vital industry that supports hundreds of families.
Meanwhile, a local advocate, Fayaz Ahmad Lone said he will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the removal of the dumping site from saffron fields. “I am in the process of compiling the necessary documents and will submit the PIL to the High Court in Srinagar next week,” he said.
Advocate Lone called on MLA Pampore, Hasnain Masoodi to raise the issue in the Assembly, saying saffron is a critical aspect of Kashmir's identity and a lifeline for many families—(KNO)