Development at what cost? Trehgam residents fight to save grazing land

In a growing conflict between development and environmental preservation, residents of Trehgam village in Kupwara district have launched a protest against the construction of a Panchayat Ghar on what they describe as their last remaining meadow and traditional grazing land.

The site, located amid the farms and fields of the village, is a small but culturally and ecologically significant highland meadow dotted with lush, old walnut trees. Locals say it is the only accessible open space in the village and has historically served as a communal grazing ground for livestock.

In a detailed representation submitted to the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara on April 25, villagers warned that the construction would have serious consequences for agricultural fields, livestock grazing, community traditions and the local ecosystem. The representation, signed by residents, states that the land has been used for over a century as the primary grazing ground for sheep, goats and cattle.

Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, said the matter would be examined. “I will look into the issue,” he told Greater Kashmir.

Highlighting the social importance of the meadow, the representation reads: “It (the meadow) is the sole open public space for walking, social interaction (especially for women), and recreation.” The residents further noted that the site holds cultural value as the traditional venue for the customary “Bhandaar” event during droughts or calamities.

The petitioners have argued that the land lies centrally within agricultural fields and that any construction would severely impact surrounding farmland. They reiterated that, in the absence of parks or recreational facilities, the meadow serves as the only space for social interaction, walking and maintaining physical well-being. “In the absence of parks or any recreational facility in the village, this is the site people use for social interaction, walking and maintaining physical well-being,” they said.

Villagers also expressed concern over the impact on livestock, stating that construction would lead to the loss of their only accessible grazing ground due to increasing concretisation. They added that the meadow supports local biodiversity and is home to various bird species. “From the ecological perspective, the reservation of such open spaces is crucial, particularly in the present times when environmental degradation is a growing concern,” the residents highlighted.

The residents further pointed out that the proposed site is located around 1.5 to 2 kilometres away from the main habitation, making it inconvenient for public use in addition to posing environmental risks.

They emphasised that the land falls under “Kahcharai” (grazing land), traditionally reserved for communal use, and noted that the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has repeatedly stressed the protection of such common lands.

Alleging violations at the site, villagers claimed that walnut trees are being felled during the construction process. “This is clear legal violation,” a local resident said. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969, walnut trees are classified as “specified trees” and cannot be felled or damaged without prior written permission from the competent authority.

Terming the situation a classic case of “development at the cost of environment,” residents said that while Panchayat Ghars are important for grassroots governance, the village’s last remaining meadow should not be sacrificed. “It raises serious questions about planning, environmental sensitivity, and respect for customary community rights,” they said.