NGT Issues Notice to Govt, NIT Director Over Proposed NIT Campus in Pulwama

Srinagar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Director of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, seeking a detailed response regarding the proposed NIT campus in the Newa area of Pulwama.

The notice comes in response to a petition filed by RTI and environmental activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat through his counsel, Advocate Saurabh Sharma. The petitioner has urged the NGT to intervene to prevent the felling of thousands of fruit and non-fruit-bearing trees on 4,500 kanals (approximately 550 acres) of Karewa land, which belongs to seven villages in and around Newa.

Concerns Over Environmental Impact

In his application, Dr. Bhat highlighted the ecological significance of the proposed site, which serves as a habitat for summer migratory birds, including the European bee-eater, Kashmir flycatcher, White-capped bunting (Emberiza stewarti), Common Cuckoo, and Jacobin Cuckoo. The area is also home to various wildlife species such as the Himalayan Red Fox, porcupines, and leopards.

The case was heard by the Principal Bench of the NGT on April 1, 2025. The bench, comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Srivastava, Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Expert Member Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, issued notices to several key officials, including the Chief Secretary of J&K, Director NIT Srinagar, Chairman J&K Biodiversity Council, Chief Wildlife Warden, and Deputy Commissioner Pulwama.

NGT Seeks Clarity on Project Details

The tribunal directed NIT Srinagar to provide a comprehensive disclosure of the proposed campus construction plan and the 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. If any respondent directly files the reply without routing it through their advocate, then the said respondent will remain virtually present to assist the Tribunal,” the order reads.

Additionally, the order instructs the petitioner to serve notice to the respondents and submit proof of service before the next hearing, which is scheduled for August 1, 2025.

Petitioner Welcomes NGT’s Intervention

Dr. Bhat expressed satisfaction with the NGT’s decision, emphasizing the environmental risks posed by the project.

“I am grateful to NGT for its intervention as more than 4,500 kanals of land with dense tree cover are at risk. Most of the Karewa land in Pulwama, Chadoora, and Parigam has already been degraded due to clay mining and illegal brick kilns. This is the last remaining patch with significant green cover, including almond, apple, walnut, acacia, and willow trees,” he stated.

He also pointed out that the former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, had assured that the campus would be relocated, but no formal order has been issued. Additionally, he criticized the government for failing to consult local stakeholders, including the gram sabha and the local MLA.

“The proposed NIT campus will impact the region’s biodiversity. The air pollution from brick kilns is mitigated by the plantation in Newa Karewa, and the destruction of this green belt would violate wildlife laws,” Dr. Bhat added.

The case will now proceed with the NGT reviewing responses from the concerned authorities before making a final ruling.