Unregulated Mining Threatens Ecology, Agriculture, and Public Safety in North Kashmir; Wani Urges CM’s Immediate Intervention

The Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), led by its Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, has raised serious concerns over the unchecked mining of sand, stones, bajri, mud, and other construction materials from the rivers, nallahs, and surrounding areas in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

This unregulated activity is wreaking havoc on water bodies, irrigation channels, springs, and public safety.

Key water bodies, including the River Jhelum, Narbal River, and Nallah Ferozpora, have been severely impacted by the illegal and excessive extraction of resources. The use of heavy machinery in these operations, possibly in violation of legal norms, has only worsened the situation. This exploitation is being carried out under the guise of royalty fees collected by the Geology and Mining Department, which has failed to protect these vital natural resources.

The consequences of unregulated mining are far-reaching:

1. Environmental Pollution: The movement of thousands of heavily loaded tippers and tractors throughout the day raises excessive dust, leading to environmental pollution and respiratory problems for local residents.

2. Road Safety Hazards: Many vehicles evade police checks by taking bypass and link roads near police stations, contributing to frequent accidents and posing a serious road safety threat.

3. Agricultural Land Degradation: Villages such as Shirpora (Pattan), Navlari, and Buran have seen agricultural land filled with mud and repurposed for commercial use, significantly reducing fertile land available for agriculture and horticulture.

4. Weakened Flood Defenses: The banks of the River Jhelum and Nallah Ferozpora have become dangerously fragile, leaving them unable to withstand flood pressures, increasing the risk of flooding in the region.

5. Impacts on Irrigation and Village Livelihoods: Unregulated mining in Nallah Ferozpora has critically affected villages like Shari, Rarem, Kunzer, Barzullah, Usson Bangil, Karahama, Ogmona, Hardebani, and Lalpora. The disruption of irrigation canals has severely impacted agricultural productivity and the water supply to these communities.

While construction is essential for development, it must not come at the expense of environmental degradation, public health, and safety. In response to this crisis, JKCSF, under the leadership of Abdul Qayoom Wani, has called for the intervention of the Honorable Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to curb the rampant mining activities. Immediate action is needed to regulate this industry, with cooperation from relevant departments, stone crusher owners, and tipper and tractor operators.

Abdul Qayoom Wani emphasized the urgent need for a balanced and public-friendly policy that addresses both developmental needs and ecological preservation. He urged for immediate steps to safeguard Kashmir’s natural resources, environment, and agricultural land from irreversible damage.