Amid uncertainty and uneasy calm, illegal extraction of sand, stones and boulders from water bodies and streams across southern Kashmir is going on unabated despite a ban on unauthorized extraction of the construction material.
Reports said that vested interest elements are taking full advantage of the prevailing unrest and are busy in flouting norms prescribed by the government. If reliable sources are to be believed, some officials from the government despite knowing the reality are acting mute spectators.
Pertinently, State High Court has imposed a blanket ban on illegal extraction and unlawful mining from all sorts of riverbeds, nallahs, water bodies, tributaries, and soil from karewas in any form and by any method. However, vested interest elements in connivance with some officials are flouting all the rules in broad day light. “Illegal extraction process continues right under the nose of administrative officials in almost every district of South Kashmir,” Ghulam Muhammad, a teacher from Samboora Pampore told said.
A couple of conscious citizens said that vested interest elements are vandalizing important sites in Southern districts. The sites include Sambora, Kakapora, Watal Ara Tral, Romshi Ara Pulwama, Larkipora, Aung Matipora Anantnag, Ashmuji Kulgam and Rambiara Shopian.
“Once you allow illegal extraction, the locals living on the banks of streams and rivers then facing risk as these areas become more prone to floods and even damage the adjoining roads, streets and bunds besides causing noise pollution,” said a local from Kakapora Pulwama.
He said the sand mafia used load carriers, tippers, tractors and JCB to extract tones of sand and stone for construction purposes illegally. “It is a clear case of nexus between “mafia and some government agencies”.
Environmental experts express serious concern at the unabated practice, saying it portends environmental destruction. They allege that authorities are not bothering to assess the scale of damage by conducting site inspections.
An official from Irrigation and Flood Control Department said that this illegal practice can be stopped by the active support of people, officials and police. “People should cooperate with us and inform us or police instantly if they see such illegal practice going on in any area,” he said.