Jammu & Kashmir is facing an environmental and ecological crisis due to the rampant riverbed mining of stones and boulders from its streams. These streams, which carry glacial meltwater, have been extensively hollowed out in recent years, leading to severe consequences for the region’s ecological balance, agriculture, disaster risk management, and aesthetic beauty. The streams and rivers in Kashmir such as Vishaw, Lidder, Sindh, Doodh Ganga, Madhumati, and Shali Ganga and Tawi river in Jammu region have particularly suffered from this unchecked mining. Despite numerous petitions to the National Green Tribunal and consistent advocacy by media and environmentalists, the destruction continues unabated.
It is no rocket science, from a disaster risk management perspective, stones and boulders are essential in providing natural protection against high-flow flash floods. These elements have been acting as barriers, reducing the velocity of flowing water and preventing erosion of riverbanks in J&K’s rivers. The removal of these natural barriers has made the region more susceptible to severe flooding, which is often leading to loss of life, property damage, and even economic disruption. This senseless mining has also diminished the region’s irrigation-fed agriculture.
The natural beauty of Jammu & Kashmir’s rivers, with their clear waters flowing over boulders and stones, is a significant attraction for tourists and a source of cultural pride for the local population. The aesthetic appeal of these rivers is integral to Kashmir’s identity and economy, especially considering the reliance on tourism. The extraction of stones and boulders has already diminished this natural beauty to a large extent. However, it is still not too late.
Stones and boulders in riverbeds also play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They provide habitats for various aquatic species, including fish and invertebrates, which rely on these structures for shelter, breeding, and feeding.
Despite clear evidence of the detrimental impacts of stone and boulder mining, the activity continues, driven by the demand for these materials in public infrastructure projects, private construction, and road building. Petitions to the National Green Tribunal have not yielded significant results, and regulatory enforcement remains weak. Mining contracts assigned to large companies have made things worse. This ongoing environmental degradation calls for urgent and effective intervention by the LG Administration.
A blanket ban on the mining of stones and boulders from rivers and streams is now essential to prevent further degradation. Such bans have been successfully implemented in various regions in the country worldwide facing similar challenges. For instance, in Kerala, stringent regulations and enforcement have significantly reduced riverbed mining. Himachal Pradesh has recently witnessed the horrors of such degradation and is now acting to priotise conservation over rampant mining.
Advocates of river mining often argue that riverbed materials are a must for the huge public and private constructions in J&K. One immediate solution for J&K could be to designate specific mountain sites for the mining of stones and boulders, away from riverbeds and streams. This approach could help balance the need for construction materials with the imperative to protect river ecosystems. Careful geological assessments can identify suitable sites that minimize environmental impacts. Additionally, it is time to promote sustainable construction practices in J&K, such as the use of alternative building materials, can reduce the demand for riverbed stones and boulders. Such a possibility could open the window for huge new economic activities.
To begin with, strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks governing natural resource extraction in J&K is a must if the region has to retain its fundamental USP – its natural beauty.
The unabated mining of stones and boulders from Jammu & Kashmir’s streams is a pressing environmental and ecological disaster that demands immediate action by the government. Protecting these natural elements is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, preserving the region’s aesthetic beauty, and mitigating disaster risks. It is extremely crucial to safeguard Jammu & Kashmir’s rivers and streams for its future generations.
