PAMPORE: A comprehensive week-long effort to curb illegal sand mining along the banks of the river Jhelum in Pampore and other areas of the Pulwama district has intensified, with the Geology and Mining Department of Pulwama joining forces with the Flood Control Department. The collaborative operation, initiated on Wednesday, focused on cracking down on illicit sand mining activities primarily in the Bujbagh Samboora area of Pampore, alongside other locations within the district.
Under the supervision of DMO Pulwama, Er Mohammad Manzoor, and Xen of the Flood Control Department, Mukhtar Ahmad, a team comprising supervisors Ishtiyaq Ahmad from the Geology and Mining Department, and Abdul Rehman along with Mohammad Ramzan from the Flood Control Department, spearheaded the enforcement drive.
During the operation, strategic access routes utilized by illegal miners to exploit the resources of the river Jhelum were meticulously identified and severed by the joint task force.
“The concerted effort underscores the commitment of the local authorities to combat environmental degradation and preserve natural resources. Such initiatives serve as a testament to the resolve of the administration to uphold regulatory measures and ensure sustainable development practices in the region,” officials told Kashmir Reader.
They said that on Tuesday, a crackdown was launched against illegal sand mining including Alichbgh, Hatiwara, Samboora and other many areas and the ramps of river Jhelum were destroyed. The drive was led by AEE Flood Control Faisal Farooq, field staff Abdul Rehman Flood Control and Supervisor Kakapora Ishtiyaq Ahmad Shah, Supervisor Pampore Nazir Ahmad Mir from the Geology & Mining Department.
The G&M Department officer Ishtiyaq Shah said they have been conducting a continuous week-long drive, covering various areas including Pampore, Kakapora, Awantipora, and other areas of the Pulwama district.
“We destroyed numerous ramps used by the sand mafia to cause damage to the Jhelum riverbanks by using sand mafia vehicles,” he said, adding, “This operation is aimed at combating illegal sand mining, which is causing damage to the embankments of the Jhelum River. The drive will persist until the sand mafia is brought under control.”

BILAL HABIB