Pampore: The authorities in the Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday launched a crackdown on illegal sand mining from Jhelum and destroyed the illegal ramps made along the river to move Tippers and other machinery.
The team was led by Tehsildar Pampore Zuber Ahmad Bhat (KAS) along with AEE Irrigation and Flood Control Department Faisal Farooq.
According to reports, the joint drive was carried out by officials of the Revenue Department Pampore and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department Sub Division Pampore after they received several complaints about the illegal extraction of sand in the area.
The raids were conducted in the Bujibagh Samboora areas of Pampore Tehsil. “Scores of ramps were destroyed by the joint team which were used by sand diggers for illegal sand extraction,” officials told Kashmir Reader.
Talking to Kashmir Reader, Tehsildar Pampore Zuber Ahmad Bhat (KAS) said that today’s action is a continuation of action initiated against illegal miners from the past couple of days.
Today, we disconnected various approach paths to River Jhelum used by illegal miners along with officials of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. Around 11 ramps were cut down in the Bujibagh area, he said.
The Tehsildar Pampore appealed to residents living near Jhelum to inform them about illegal mining activity for prompt action against it. He warned the illegal miners of strict action as warranted under the law.
“The miners take advantage of darkness but we will not leave them unchased,” he said, adding they will face the law and will be punished.

BILAL HABIB