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| Illegal extraction of gravel, sand poses threat to aquatic life in Lidder | | Fisheries, Geology and Mining department collecting 'hafta' | | Saahil Suhail
Early Times Report
Anantnag, Aug 25: The illegal extraction of sand and gravel from the famous Lidder nullah is posing a serious threat to aquatic life. Ironically Fisheries, Flood Control, Geology and Mining departments are collecting 'hafta' in broad day light for allowing the illegal practice.
Reports said that extraction is going on in full swung with impunity at various places all along the Lidder River. The digging of the Nullah at multiple places is taking place without permission. "All this extraction is going on illegally. Mafia carrying out the practice is enjoying the patronage of politicians," official pleading anonymity told Early Times.
He said that extracting is taking place in violation of Fisheries Act 1960. Officer said that Lidder is protected area and any kind of extraction is affecting the aquatic life. This reporter on visiting several spots found labourers extracting of gravels. "We are paying 100 rupees to Geology and Mining department while as the contractor who is extracting the boulders is also paying to Fisheries department," a tractor driver told this reporter.
However, he said, besides paying they have to leave the spot, even to leave vehicles in the nullah if any officer visits the area. "We don't know whether they are extracting legally or illegally," he added. Sources said that temporary permits have also been issued after charging a nominal royalty; however maximum extraction is going on illegally.
Locals of Mattan demanded a ban on extraction. "Mafia is not allowing locals to extract sand or boulders from the Lidder. They are being told that they have paid money in lakhs to the department," Showket Ahmad, a local resident said. Showket Ali, District Geology and Mining officer when contacted confirmed that sand and boulders are being extracted illegally. "We haven't given permission to anyone for carrying out the practice," he said, adding his department has given permission to Darpora Aaang residents on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Anantnag who are constructing a protection bund voluntarily. He said that under SR0 249 Geology and mining department can't allow transportation of any kind of minerals. "We can't stop extraction as it is the responsibility of Fisheries department to enforce the band and protects prestigious Trout Nullah but at the same time we can't allow transportation without collecting royalty from them," he added. Assistant Director Fisheries Mohd Sidiq Baba on being contacted said that his staff routinely visits these spots and imposes fine on the defaulters carrying out extraction. He blamed then the deputy commissioner Bashir Ahmad Khan for the illegal extraction "We are against the extraction but Deputy commissioners has issued order allowing people to extract sand and boulders form the nallah," he said. |
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