Illegal Road Construction Through Saffron Fields Sparks Controversy in Zafran Colony

Illegal Road Construction Through Saffron Fields Sparks Controversy in Zafran Colony

Asif Iqbal | October 7, 2023 | 10:30 AM IST | Breaking News, Kashmir, Srinagar | Follow on Google News

Illegal Road Construction Through Saffron Fields Sparks Controversy in Zafran Colony. Pic/Kashmir life

In a recent development in the picturesque Zafran Colony of Srinagar’s outskirts, a contentious issue has come to light. An illegal road stretch was being carved out through the saffron fields, which are often referred to as “the red gold” of Kashmir. Saffron has deep roots in the history of Kashmir, dating back to the 5th century BC, and remains an integral part of the region’s agricultural economy and cultural heritage.

Swift Action Taken to Protect Saffron Farms

Upon receiving complaints from concerned citizens, local authorities promptly responded. Tehsildar Pantha Chowk, Rakib Ahmed, reported that an illegal road construction was underway in Zafran Colony, Srinagar. He stated, “Acting on the complaints, we closed the illegal road passing through the saffron field while removing the fillings from the site. Road was also dug at a few places to ensure no traffic plies through it.”Moreover, a legal process has been initiated, and investigations are currently in progress to determine how the road was carved out of the saffron land. If necessary, a formal FIR (First Information Report) will be lodged against those responsible after completing all legal procedures.

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Accountability in Focus as Investigation Proceeds

Tehsildar Pantha Chowk emphasized, “We are in the process of verifying the facts, and once all legal formalities are completed, those responsible will face the consequences of the law. So far, we closed the road because it was illegally passing through saffron cultivation without permission.” The ongoing investigation aims to identify all culprits involved in this illegal activity.Continuous monitoring of the situation is underway, with the agricultural department actively participating in the investigation, given that saffron land falls under its jurisdiction.

Legal Frameworks Protecting Saffron Fields

Under Section 133-A of the J&K Land Revenue Act, Svt, 1996, it is explicitly stated that no land growing or having grown shali crops, vegetables, or saffron lullis can be used for any purpose other than agricultural without written permission from the Revenue Minister.

Furthermore, the Saffron Act of 2007, introduced by the Government, strictly prohibits the use of land within the notified area for any purpose other than growing saffron lullis. Exceptions exist for residential construction, but only with prior permission from the relevant authorities. Violation of these provisions can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to ten years and a fine of ten thousand rupees.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.