Srinagar, July 02: The Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), Mr. Abdul Qayoom Wani, expressed deep anguish over the rampant and illegal mining of the Ferozpora Nallah at Kachmatipora, Soiepora, and Ogmuna. He stated that the unregulated extraction is causing irreversible ecological damage, while the concerned departments remain silent spectators.
In a statement issuaed to the Greater Kashmir, the JKCSF chairman said, “Despite the worsening ground situation and repeated cries from the local population, Flood & Irrigation, Environment, Agriculture, and Horticulture Departments have failed to act, raising serious concerns of negligence or silent complicity.”
“The area has turned into a hub of loot where natural resources are being ravaged in broad daylight. This is nothing less than ‘bajri terrorism’ — a systematic plunder of riverbeds that threatens agricultural lands, horticultural balance, and the overall ecology,” he added.
He said, Local residents are suffering gravely due to drying water sources, soil degradation, crop damage, disrupted irrigation, and hazardous conditions created by overloaded trucks and heavy machinery. Farms are turning barren and environmental balance is collapsing.
Wani said, the JKCSF strongly demands: A time-bound probe into illegal mining activities; immediate suspension of all ongoing extraction in the affected regions; accountability of officials and contractors involved; restoration measures to revive the damaged river ecology; and formation of a community oversight committee to prevent future violations.
JKCSF warned that if authorities continue to turn a blind eye, civil society may be forced to launch peaceful public demonstrations across the region to protect the natural wealth and livelihoods of the people.
