KUPWARA: The pristine Mawar Nallah that flows through Kupwara district has been targeted by sand and gravel mafia that areplundering the minerals from it.
The mafia has resorted to use heavy machinery to extract the mineralsfor it for the past few months that too during the dead of the night with locals saying that the use of heavy machinery and other transport is keeping the residents awake.
The loot, according to them, is most vibrant in Pahroo, ShanoLangate ,Tilwari, ShahgundBategund areas.
According to local’s, a committee was set up previously to safegaud the river from this loot.“Sand and gravel mafia is destroying the ecology of the river,” they said.
The locals said that use of machines has led to severe destruction of Mawarwith the machines creating trenches along the river bed ditch effecting the water flow.
When contacted District officer Geology and Mining,MumtazAhamd Shah told Kashmir Reader that he has joined recently, but has received complaints regarding this illegal activity.
“We have complaints that there is illegal extraction along the river and those taking the material are dumping it around the area,” he said, adding that they wouldtake action against those who are looting the minerals and dumping it in vicinity.
He added that in this regard, they are holding the meeting with the District administration and seeking their help to curb this activity.
“In the past, all the stone crushers operating around MarwaNallah have been closde sand we will soon act against those who are involved in this activity,” he said
He further said that the department maintain the overall ecology of the river.

Mushtaq Ahamd