Aqzar Raheel
Ganderbal: Illegal mining continues unabated in Nallah Sindh, affecting Blocks 1 to 5 in Ganderbal, despite repeated concerns raised by locals and environmentalists.
Residents have voiced alarm over the absence of regulatory oversight, which has led to the unchecked extraction of large amounts of bajri and boulders. These materials are being transported to Srinagar and other regions at inflated prices, fueling the concerns of the local population.
“Although the mining contract in Block 4 has ended, hundreds of tractors and tippers are still operating, causing great concern among us and environmentalists,” said a local resident.
The environmental repercussions of illegal mining are serious, with the potential for widespread degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the local government faces significant revenue losses due to the illegal trade.
“We have raised our concerns for months, but no action has been taken. The authorities seem indifferent to the situation,” one resident stated.
In response, officials from the Geology and Mining Department acknowledged the issue, citing a shortage of staff as a primary obstacle to effective monitoring of illegal activities. “We are doing our best to monitor the situation, but with limited resources, it’s increasingly challenging to control unauthorized mining operations,” a senior official said.
In an effort to curb the illegal activities, the Geology and Mining Department along with Ganderbal Police, recently conducted surprise raids and seized several vehicles involved in illicit mining.
