EPG opposes use of SP College ground for Food Expo, flags environmental risks

Srinagar, Mar 28: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) on Saturday strongly objected to the proposed use of the SP College ground for the upcoming Kashmir Food Expo, citing serious environmental and public interest concerns.

In a statement issued here, EPG said the ground is a vital urban green space that plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance, including soil preservation, groundwater recharge, and regulation of the local microclimate. It warned that allowing commercial events at the site would lead to long-term environmental degradation.

EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi said the matter has already been taken up with the Education Minister, the Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, and the Principal of SP College, urging authorities to reconsider the decision.

“This ground is not merely an open space but a crucial environmental asset. Its use for commercial exhibitions involving heavy vehicles and temporary infrastructure will result in soil compaction, destruction of grass cover, and irreversible ecological damage,” Bakshi said.

The group recalled that a similar event was proposed last year, against which strong objections were raised. Although the event was eventually postponed due to prevailing circumstances, EPG said the underlying environmental concerns remain unaddressed.

According to the statement, the 2nd edition of the Kashmir Food Expo is scheduled to be organised by Olympia Exhibition Pvt. Ltd. from May 5 to 7, 2026. However, EPG stressed that such events should not come at the cost of degrading essential green spaces meant for public and student use.

It further highlighted that the SP College ground serves as an important recreational and sports facility for students and youth. Its commercial use, the group said, would deprive young people of a critical space for physical activity and well-being.

“At a time when urban green spaces are rapidly shrinking, it is imperative to protect and preserve existing ecological assets rather than subject them to avoidable stress,” the statement said.

The Environmental Policy Group has urged the administration not to grant permission for holding the Food Expo at the SP College ground and to ensure that the space continues to be used strictly for academic and recreational purposes.