Illegal extraction going on in broad daylight in Anantnag

Sameer Kashmiri

ANANTNAG: Despite the government ban on illegal extraction of stones, boulders and Bajri from streams in the Anantnag District, the practice is going on unabated in Nassu Badragund newly constructed bridge on nallah sandran area of south Kashmir Anantnag district.

Sources told to KNB that heavy extraction of sand, boulders and bajri is going on in Nassau Badragund area of Anantnag District. While the Divisional Commissioner Anantnag vide order No. 10750-69/DMA Dated 28-01-16 had directed complete halt on illegal extraction of stones, boulders and sand from the streams, the directives have never been implemented, sources added.

The Nassu Badragund bridge is about 20 kms from Anantnag town was constructed by government last year to connect various villages in area. However the concerned officials don’t pay heed to take any action against them.

The illegal extraction of sand boulders and bajri, according to residents, is causing damage to newly constructed bridge and agricultural land as the water level in the stream is decreasing. “Some years back, there were dozens of springs and streams flowing through this area. But today the water level is decreasing even in Nalla Bringi due to illegal extraction of sand and boulders.

Abdul Rasheed a local resident told to KNB that we are forced to fetch water after covering a long distance, The stream environs look like a bus stand in presence of huge number of tippers and dozers.  “We are surprised why the district administration is not looking into the issue,” Rasheed said.

He further said that the people made it business to extraction of boulders and sand in streams we have thousands of miles of agriculture land inside the nallas where dozens of springs and streams flowing through this area But today the water level is decreasing even in stream (Nallah) Bringi due to illegal extraction of sand and boulders.

Meanwhile sources told to KNB that the concerned Naid Tehsildar Zahoor Ahmad conveyed message to Flood control department and geology and mining department to close this extraction in vilage it will damage the bridge as well as the whole area but the both concerned departments didn’t take any action.

Talking to KNB Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Mohd Younis Malik said that I will sent team to the spot to close the extraction he added. (KNB)