SRINAGAR, Oct 11: Awantipora Police:Continuing its intensified campaign against illegal mining, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Awantipora on Friday seized six tractors involved in the unlawful extraction and transportation of sand and gravel from the Nowdal area of Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
According to officials, the operation was led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Tral, under the supervision of SDPO Tral Rajesh Kumar, following specific inputs about the movement of illegally mined minerals from the Nowdal Nallah belt — a stretch often targeted by sand extractors.
A case has been registered at Police Station Tral, and further investigation is in progress to trace the main handlers behind the illegal activity, officials said.
Locals Hail Police Action
The residents of Nowdal and adjoining areas have welcomed the police crackdown, saying the illegal mining had become a daily nuisance.
“Every night, we could hear the rumble of tractors near the stream. It was disturbing and destroying our farmlands,” said Ghulam Nabi Bhat, a local farmer.
“This drive was much needed. The banks of Nowdal Nallah have eroded badly in the past few months,” added Shazia Akhter, a resident of Tral town.
Environmental Impact
Illegal sand extraction, especially along streams feeding the Jhelum River, has caused significant ecological damage in south Kashmir. Environmental experts warn that continued mining could lead to loss of fertile land and disruption of the region’s fragile hydrological balance.
A senior officer told Kashmir Life that the police are maintaining strict surveillance in vulnerable areas to prevent further violations.
“We will continue these drives in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department. Offenders will face strict legal consequences,” the officer said.
A Wider Regional Concern
Illegal mining has become a recurring challenge in Tral, Pampore, and Awantipora, where demand for construction materials often leads to overexploitation of natural resources. Locals say the unregulated movement of tractors also damages rural roads and endangers pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren walking to nearby villages.
Authorities have appealed to the public to report such activities, assuring that informants’ identities will remain confidential.
The latest action underscores the administration’s broader effort to preserve Kashmir’s environment and ensure responsible use of its natural wealth.
Source: Kashmir Life
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