Pampore MLA and retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi held a public interaction at Khrew in Pulwama district today to hear the grievances and demands of local residents.
Residents from Khrew and adjoining areas raised issues related to water supply, electricity, roads and other basic amenities. Masoodi listened to the concerns and said that genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned departments and authorities.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Hasnain Masoodi interacted with residents at Khrew.
Residents raised concerns over water supply, electricity, roads and other civic issues.
Masoodi highlighted challenges related to saffron cultivation and irrigation.
Government data shows substantial gaps in the functioning of saffron irrigation borewells.
Masoodi has previously raised saffron-related concerns in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
During the interaction, Masoodi also expressed concern over the challenges facing saffron cultivation in the Pampore area, particularly the availability of adequate irrigation facilities.
Saffron cultivation is an important agricultural activity in Pampore, and irrigation infrastructure has remained a significant concern. In February 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the Legislative Assembly that only eight of 124 community borewells planned under the National Saffron Mission were functional, while 77 remained non-operational. The government said efforts were underway to address the shortcomings in the irrigation component of the mission.
Masoodi has separately raised concerns in the Assembly over saffron production and the implementation of the Saffron Mission. He has argued that inadequate infrastructure and other challenges are affecting saffron growers.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Pampore is a major saffron-growing area of Jammu and Kashmir. Reliable irrigation and agricultural infrastructure are important for supporting saffron growers and sustaining the region's agricultural economy.
However, the government has disputed claims of a continuing sharp decline in saffron production. Official figures cited in the Assembly showed production at 23.53 metric tonnes in 2023-24 and 19.58 metric tonnes in 2024-25, while the government said production had not witnessed a decline in recent years.
The discussion at Khrew therefore highlighted the need to address irrigation and other infrastructure-related concerns affecting saffron growers while strengthening support for the region's saffron sector.
