Locals Allege Illegal Sand Mining in River Jhelum in Pampore, Fear Potential Embankment Breaches
Locals Allege Illegal Sand Mining in River Jhelum in Pampore, Fear Potential Embankment Breaches
BJP to stage protest against illegal mining tomorrow
Srinagar 18 Oct : Locals in the Patelbagh area of Pampore on Friday alleged that unchecked illegal sand extraction in the Jhelum River could prove disastrous as the illicit practice has been damaging the embankments of the water body.
While talking to the news agency locals said that the ongoing excavation activities are damaging river embankments, thereby increasing the risk of potential breaches during floods.
“Illegal mining operations primarily occur at night, with numerous trucks transporting sand to various markets, all while authorities remain seemingly indifferent. This illegal trade has now grown into a mafia,” lamented locals, who emphasized the difficulty in tackling the issue.
They said that the repercussions extend beyond the riverbanks as the construction of roads by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department has also been jeopardized, undermining significant financial investments in infrastructure.
In response to the escalating concerns, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to launch a protest in Patalbagh Pampore to demand action against illegal mining activities in the region.
Party leader Lateef Bhat said there is a need to hold both the employees complicit in these operations and the associated mafia accountable. “The protest aims to raise awareness about the environmental and economic impact of illegal mining practices,” he said.
Meanwhile experts warn that if illegal mining continues, it could significantly exacerbate flooding risks in low-lying areas, endangering the safety and livelihoods of local residents.
Locals have urged for intervention in order to protect both the environment and essential public infrastructure. (CNS)
