Pulwama, 3 June : The illegal sand extraction from river Jhelum continues unabated in Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Locals told CNS that excavation of sand along the river embankments is causing damage to them which makes them vulnerable to breaches during floods.
They added that the embankments have also been damaged at various places to make passage of trucks.
Experts cautioned the illegal practice has the potential to damage river embankments. This can inturn make several low-lying areas including Bajibagh, Patelbagh Galender areas of Pampore,
“Every night scores of tipper transport the sand illegally extracted from the river to the markets. The authorities are not bothered to put an end to this practice which is being carried out in night hours,”said local a resident of Patelbagh.”This illegal trade has now grown into a mafia.”
Locals say that due to extraction of sand from river Jhelum during the night, the road established by R&B has also been destroyed at a cost of crores.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over the illegal extraction of soil from the saffron land in Patal Bagh, the local people have demanded the district administration to take action against those illegally extracting soil from the saffron land so that the historical industry can be protected from active mafia
DMO Pulwama Manzoor Ahmad said that they are continuing large-scale operations against the active mafia and the operation will be accelerated in the next few days, he further said, that he has received complaints about this matter and assured that strong action will be taken against the mafia.
Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama Iqbal Chaudhary while talking to CNS, said that legal action will be taken against those who remove soil from saffron land in Patal Bagh Pampore.(CNS)
