Last Updated on November 16, 2021 at 5:56 pm
The tall claims of government against the illegal mining process in Jammu and Kashmir are not in sync with the ground reality. The persistent illegal mining process continues to take place in districts of Kathua and Samba.
As per reports, no check on the illegal mining in Ravi river in Keedian -Gandyal area of Kathua district is being kept where the locals totally are worried over rapid degrading of ecological balance in the region.
The alarming situation caused by the illegal mining in the area and the lawlessness created by the mafia elements can be gauged from the fact as the fertile land of kathua has converted into a barren land which has increased the worries of people. To an utter shock the concerned authorities have failed to act against the mafia who use both men and muscle power to crush the local voice raised against them.
As per reports, mining mafia allegedly have their connections in neighboring States of Punjab, Haryana as well as in Delhi NCR and the sand, gravels and stones extracted from Ravi bed are smuggled to these Sates and sold on exorbitant rates because of lackadaisical attitude of the concerned authorities.
Local Councilor of District Development Council from Keedian Gandyal, Dr Shivita Singh also showed her concern over the matter and urged for an immediate action but no progress has been made further.
Anju Sharma, a local social activist said that the underground water has not only depleted in the Keedian Gandyal area but up to Kathua town the water level has gone down more than 100 feet below due to increasing illegal mining.
Prem Nath Dogra, senior BJP leader from Kathua and Councilor said that due to illegal mining the newly constructed over Rs 150 crore Keedian Gandyal Bridge in the area will also be endangered.
He further added that though banned illegal mining still continues in Ravi under the eye of the authorities. Further adding that the mafia of Punjab is active and besides, Punjab they have a chain in the States of Haryana and Delhi. “This way the prices of sand and Bajri have sky rocketed in Kathua and adjoining areas. The per tipper of sand which was earlier sold at Rs. 1500 per 100 feet now costs Rs. 2600 and the Bajri which was earlier sold at Rs. 1200 per 100 feet costs Rs. 2200 now”, he added.
Meanwhile, reports of illegal mining in the river Basanter and Devika in Samba district have also come up.
District Mining Officers of Kathua and Samba said that they have issued strict instructions to the officials to act against those involved in illegal mining.
