Illegal mineral extraction goes unabated in South Kashmir
Anantnag: The residents of different areas of South Kashmir have alleged that illegal mineral extraction is going unabated in different villages of the area while the authorities are acting as mute spectators.
Inhabitants accused the authorities of inaction against the ‘vested interest elements’ who according to them resort to illegal extraction of soil, sand and other minerals.
Locals said that some people are extracting soil, sand and other minerals illegally from Karewaras and Nallahs but despite repeated requests no officer has taken any action against them.
“The JCB’s are openly extracting the soil from the Karewas in Marhama, Waghama villages of Anantnag district besides that illegal soil extraction is also going on in Shirpora, Moman and its adjacent area of Kulgam district while the authorities don’t even bother to reach to the spot to take action against them. It seems that the authorities are hand-in-glove with these elements as no action is being taken against them,” the locals alleged.
“Illegal extraction is going on 24×7 and the noise of tippers, tractors and other machines used for extraction is not letting us to sleep,” they said.
Locals alleged that revenue officials and police department is acting as a mute spectator and they are not taking any action against those involved in the loot. Otherwise it would not have been possible for them to work even during day light, they added.
Pertinently, soil extraction has been banned under the J&K Land Revenue Act, section 133-A.
Officials from Geology and mining department in district Kulgam said that they have seized machinery of the extractors and soon action will be initiated against them.
Meanwhile, District Mineral Officer Anantnag, Zulfikar Ahmad said that they area aware about the wanton loot.
“We too have reports of illegal extraction of soil and sand in the area but due of limited manpower we are unable to seize the machinery and take direct action against theose involved in the vandalism,” he added.
He said that we have got names of extractors from field staff and wrote to SSP Anantnag to take action against them under relevant sections of law.
He said that on Wednesday he forwarded names of illegal extractors to SSP Anantnag with a request to take action under rules against them.
Jahangeer Ganaie
