Srinagar: The government’s decision to procure nearly 4834 kanals of prime agricultural land for the establishment of a new National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus in Pulwama has sparked widespread controversy, with political leaders and netizens raising serious concerns over the scale and implications of the project.
Leaders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed strong opposition, calling the acquisition excessive and unjust. PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para criticized the move on social media platform X, writing, “Pulwama welcomes the establishment of an NIT, but seizing 4834 kanals of land is unacceptable. Without fair compensation and guaranteed jobs for locals, this project will face strong resistance.”
Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, joined the chorus of criticism, accusing the government of disguising land grabs as development. “Pray tell what’s the need to seize 5,000 kanals of prime agricultural land in Pulwama to establish a NIT? If education was such a priority, why have a lopsided reservation in the first place?” she questioned on X.
Concerns Over Scale and Sustainability
Academics and experts have also weighed in, questioning the necessity of acquiring such a vast expanse of land. Tahir Firaz, a postdoctoral fellow, pointed out the disproportionate scale of the project. “The proposed NIT Pulwama spans approximately 600 acres, double the size of University College Dublin, Europe’s largest urban campus, and triple MIT’s 168-acre footprint. Why such an immense scale for an engineering college in an ecologically sensitive area?” he asked. Firaz also highlighted the potential ecological impact, noting that previous infrastructure projects in Kashmir have already consumed vast swathes of fertile land.
Administrative Silence Amid Public Outcry
Despite the growing opposition, the district administration in Pulwama has moved forward with the land transfer process. According to official sources, 4,834 kanals and 19 marlas of state land have been identified for the project, and a team of revenue officials has been tasked with expediting the preparation of documents.
Repeated attempts by Kashmir Observer to contact Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Basharat Qayoom for clarification went unanswered.
Divided Public Opinion
While many criticize the project, a section of netizens has defended the government’s decision. Danish Bhat, a vocal commentator, accused mainstream political parties of undermining development initiatives. “The mainstream parties oppose every move by the central government, even when such decisions serve the people’s best interests. Their aim has been to instill doubt and portray the Indian state as an adversary,” he posted.
Others expressed frustration with the perpetual criticism of government initiatives in Kashmir. “Why do most Kashmiris behave in a weird manner? They have a negative comment to make on every big or small step the government takes. One person tweets against it, and a flock follows,” remarked another user on X.
As the government pushes forward with plans for the NIT Pulwama campus, the scale of land acquisition, combined with ecological and political concerns, has left many questioning whether the benefits of the project outweigh its costs. Meanwhile, calls for greater transparency and public consultation continue to grow louder.
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