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| Illegal extraction of sand continues in Kashmir despite ban | | | Muhammad Mukaram
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Sept 10: Sand mafias in nexus with some Government agencies are illegally extracting sand in the Jhelum at many places in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, despite a ban on sand extraction across the State.
The illegal extraction of sand is going unabated particularly during the night hours. "Illegal extraction of sand from the Jhelum is being done by some miscreants through mechanical boats. This has endangered the embankments of the Jhelum," an official of the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department told Early Times.
"The extraction of sand not only causes loss to mineral deposits but also changes the bed leveling of the river which could change its course in wake of a flood," said the official wishing anonymity.
He said there is a proper system of digging minerals, but the mafia dig deep at a particular place that weakens the embankment at that place.
Notably, the Geology and Mining Department has auctioned some of the sites for mining and received few crore as revenue in the form of royalty on minerals. But it's the influential sand mafia that controls it. The mafia uses threats and political clout to scuttle any step to curb the activity.
The residents of these areas have many a time brought the issue into the notice of authorities concerned but to no avail. "Every night dozens of tippers could be seen on the banks of Jhelum loaded with sand. These vehicles have also damaged bunds that were raised after last year's flood," a resident of Pampore told Early Times.
Sources said the sand mafias are active in Pampore, Kakapora, Zoonipora, Nowgam and Pantha Chowk.
Recently, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Asgar Samoon said that illegal mining of sand from Jhelum has been detrimental to its embankments and reminded officials concerned of last year's devastating floods and apprehension of future floods. Samoon also directed the line departments and stakeholders to take immediate measures to prevent such malpractices.
Samoon has also directed the Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Pulwama to take steps for deployment of Magistrates for prevention of illegal extraction of sand at these places in coordination with respective police authorities.
"FIRs against illegal sand extractors should be lodged and their mechanical boats should be seized so that such illegal activities will be prevented to safeguard the embankments of the Jhelum," Samoon had said. |
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