Illegal extraction goes unchecked in Kulgam district, authorities in slumber

The residents of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district Monday alleged that the illegal mineral extraction goes unchecked in many Nallahs of district mainly in Nallah Vishow, while authorities are acting as mute spectators.

Inhabitants of the district accused authorities of inaction against the vested interested elements, who according to them resort to illegal extraction of Sand, Bajri and Boulders from Nallah Vishow.

Locals alleged that geology and mining, flood control and fisheries department are not taking any action against these illegal extractors.

“This activity leads to receding of water level besides weakening of the embankments,” said Mohammad Sultan, a local resident.

Locals alleged that the concerned departments are hand in glove with these illegal contractors as they seem least interested in taking any action against them.

The illegal contractors as per sources are not providing any royalty to the government owing to the extraction of material. This, they say is making the government to suffer on account of the revenue, the extraction could have provided. 

Locals said that after 2014 floods, extraction of any kind of material was banned  in Kulgam district. The order was issued by then deputy Commissioner, however extraction is going on even on broad daylight which is a danger to residents, living adjacent to banks of nallahs.

Sources said they JCBS are openly extracting sand from Nallah Vishow as the officials too have turned a blind eye to the move.

District Mineral Officer, Kulgam Ghulam Nabi Shah was not available to comment on the issue despite repeated calls.

               

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