Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 8: In a brazen display of criminal activity that has left nearly 400 households vulnerable to potential floods, risking both their lives and property, the sand mafia destroyed the Jhelum embankment near the Khankah Bagh area of Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, with residents describing the incident as just the tip of the iceberg, pointing to widespread illegal mining activities throughout South Kashmir.
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Residents witnessed suspicious vehicle movements in the area over the past few days and last night, heavy tippers and earth movers were spotted damaging the embankment to illegally remove sand from the Jhelum-a prohibited act under law. The locals took matters into their own hands and reached the site, seizing three vehicles, including a trailer truck used to ferry an earth mover. However, the culprits managed to escape with one earth mover.
Locals alleged a conspiracy, claiming that the local electricity receiving station deliberately cut power to the area to prevent the culprits from being spotted. “We sensed something suspicious when we heard heavy equipment moving in the area,” said Ashiq Ahmad, a local resident. “When the trailer arrived, we immediately went to the spot, but by the time we reached it, the embankment was already damaged.”
Ahmad added that the culprits also damaged crops belonging to nearly 100 households. He urged the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to assess the damage. “We were advised to remain alert for flash floods, but what can we do when miscreants damage the embankments at will?” he asked.
The locals expressed concern, especially in light of weather advisories predicting possible flash floods and inundation on July 4. Memories of the 2014 floods, when the whole area was inundated, have resurfaced, causing panic among residents. They urged the administration to promptly repair the embankment to prevent any flooding and loss of life and property.
The Geology and Mining Department, along with the Police and Revenue Departments of Pampore, arrived at the spot to assess the situation. Residents appealed to the administration for strict action against the sand mafia responsible for damaging the Jhelum embankment.
Mineral Officer Pampore, Nazir Ahmad, confirmed that they reached the site at 8 am, but the illegal sand miners had fled. “The locals seized the trailer and some vehicles. We are searching for more machines. Whenever we receive information, we act immediately. They damaged the embankment and trees. We will deal with them according to the law,” he stated.
The Technical Officer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Mifta Alam Buch, said that they have initiated actions to apprehend the culprits. “We will file an FIR against the illegal miners for damaging the embankment and endangering the population,” he said.
Tehsildar Pampore, Malik Asif Ahmad, acknowledged the locals’ timely intervention. “The locals informed us about the incident and seized the trailer, L&T, and two private cars. We will initiate the cancellation of their licenses and permits,” he said.
In the meantime, he said, they have requested the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to restore the embankment to mitigate any flood threats.
Despite regulations prohibiting the movement of heavy machinery and vehicles on the Jhelum River embankments, sand miners in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district persist in transporting sand mined from the riverbed, using makeshift roads. Areas including Reshipora, Dogripora, Dangerpora, Barso, Kakpora, Wokho, Pampore, Hatiwara, Banderpora, and Lelhar are particularly affected by these activities.
Experts cautioned against the detrimental effects of excessive sand mining, which accelerates river velocity, leading to erosion of riverbanks and posing a threat to embankments and infrastructure like bridges. They highlight the vulnerability of embankments, especially after the destruction of protective walls erected in the aftermath of the 2014 floods. Moreover, they warned that unchecked sand extraction disrupts local ecology by destroying plant and animal habitats and polluting water sources.
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