Soil mafia flourishes in saffron land

Our Correspondent

Pulwama, February 20

Although a ban is in place on saffron land conversion, soil is still being excavated by mafia, which is using it for residential purposes at Galander in the Pampore area. The authorities are not making efforts to stop the practice.

Residents said the soil mafia had contacts with the police and other law enforcement agencies.

“The mafia plans to convert the land for residential purposes and that’s why the soil is being excavated from the land which has been under saffron cultivation for long,” said a resident, asserting the administration should act against the culprits.

Mohamamd Yousuf Shah, chief agricultural officer, Pulwama, said he had taken action against the offenders and he would not allow any violation, particularly conversion of agricultural land.

He said he had lodged an FIR against the offenders. Sources said despite repeated calls to the law enforcement agencies by the officer, no response was received.

Meanwhile, Ghulam Mohamamd Dar, Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, reiterated that violators would be dealt with sternly and he would personally supervise the violations. “I have already directed the chief agricultural officer, tehsildar and the Pampore SHOto keep a vigil on the violators,” he said, denying lack of coordination among officials.