Pulwama, Nov 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), Pulwama, has proposed a fine of ₹3 crore against the Municipal Committee (MC) Pampore for dumping garbage in saffron land in the Galander area of Pampore tehsil.
Bilal Ahmad Khan, Divisional Officer of JKPCC Pulwama, told Rising Kashmir that the proposal was drafted after an inspection at the site, prompted by concerns raised by local farmers through the media.
“We found the farmers’ concerns to be genuine,” Khan said, adding that the site is unsuitable for garbage dumping as it is surrounded by saffron-growing land.
He confirmed that the proposal for imposing the fine has been forwarded to higher authorities for assessment.
Local saffron growers have been urging authorities to relocate the proposed solid waste treatment facility from the saffron-rich Galander near Srinagar – Jammu National Highway.
They argue that the site currently used for unscientific dumping of garbage poses a severe threat to saffron farming.
“It has increased infestations of pests like rodents, which are detrimental to the saffron crop,” said Irshad Ahmad, a local saffron grower.
He added that the pollution impacts the quality of saffron stigma and that garbage piles attract stray dogs, which disrupt routine farming operations in the area.
Irshad welcomed the proposed fine against MC Pampore and expressed hope that higher authorities would implement the decision and recover the penalty.
Galander is one of the prominent areas in Pampore tehsil known for growing world’s best quality saffron.
Farmers rue that presence of dumping site in the saffron land ridicules the prestige of this heritage crop.
