Shopian, October 4 (KNS) : Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, during visits to various areas of Shopian and interactions with local residents and fruit growers, called for a firm and precautionary policy to protect the district’s orchard ecosystem from activities that could undermine its long-term horticultural character.

In a statement issued, Inam Un Nabi said that Shopian cannot be treated as ordinary land available for unrestricted commercial activity. The district’s orchards are a vital economic resource and any decision affecting them must consider its broader and cumulative impact.

“If permission is granted to one person to establish a crusher or undertake any other activity that could potentially affect the surrounding orchards, on what basis will the authorities prevent others from seeking similar permissions? This is precisely why the authorities must act before a precedent is established, not after the damage is done,” he said.

Inam Un Nabi urged the administration to adopt a clear precautionary policy for sensitive orchard areas and to thoroughly assess the environmental and horticultural consequences of proposed activities before granting permission.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Shopian is known as the Orchard Bowl of Jammu & Kashmir. This identity cannot be protected through statements issued after the fact. The authorities must take decisions today that safeguard this ecosystem for tomorrow. We cannot allow short-term commercial interests to gradually alter the character of an entire horticultural belt,” Inam Un Nabi said.

He clarified that AIP is not opposed to legitimate development or economic activity but stressed that development cannot come at the cost of the ecological and economic interests of the people of Shopian.

“The government must draw a clear line. Once the orchard ecosystem is disturbed, no permission or policy can easily restore it. The responsibility lies with the authorities to exercise caution now and protect what generations of fruit growers have built,” he added.(KNS)