Unchecked conversion of Agricultural land in Kashmir alarms activists

Srinagar: Ahmad Ayaz, a prominent social activist, has raised concerns over the rampant conversion of agricultural land in Kashmir, warning of its severe impact on food security, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods. Urbanization, unplanned construction, and commercialization are eroding fertile farmland, with the HMT area reportedly witnessing large-scale acquisitions by land mafias for non-agricultural use.
Ayaz highlighted the cascading effects, including declining soil fertility, reduced water retention, loss of biodiversity, and worsening climate change. He called for urgent measures such as strict land-use enforcement, incentives for farmers, penalties for illegal conversions, and public awareness campaigns. “This is not just a governance issue—it is an existential challenge,” he said, urging collective action to safeguard Kashmir’s agricultural heritage for future generations.