NGT issues notice to Government over environmental concerns at proposed NIT campus in Pulwama

Srinagar, Apr 4: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the J&K Government and NIT Srinagar Director regarding environmental concerns over plans to establish a new NIT campus in Pulwama’s Newa area.

The petition, filed by environmental activist Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat through advocate Saurabh Sharma, seeks to prevent the cutting of thousands of fruit and non-fruit bearing trees across approximately 4,500 kanals (550 acres) of Karewa land spanning seven villages in the Newa region.

In his application, Dr Bhat highlighted that the area serves as habitat for summer migratory birds including the European bee-eater, Kashmir flycatcher, White-capped bunting, Common Cuckoo, and Jacobin Cuckoo, as well as wildlife such as Himalayan Red Fox, porcupines, and leopards.

The Principal Bench of the NGT, which heard the case on April 1, 2025, issued notices to the J&K Chief Secretary, NIT Srinagar Director, J&K Biodiversity Council Chairman, Chief Wildlife Warden, and Pulwama Deputy Commissioner.

The bench, comprising Justice Prakash Srivastava, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Dr Satyagopal Korlapati, directed the NIT Srinagar Director to disclose the entire construction plan and number of trees slated for removal.

“Issue notice on OA and IA to the respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit before the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing through e-filing,” the order stated, setting the next hearing for August 1, 2025.

Bhat expressed satisfaction with the NGT’s intervention, noting: “This is the only patch of land with substantial tree cover including almond, apple orchards, walnut trees, acacia, and willows in an area where most Karewa land has been lost to clay mining and illegal brick kilns.”

He added that while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had verbally assured the campus would be relocated, no formal order has been issued, and local communities, gram sabhas, and elected representatives were not consulted about the project.