Baramulla, Sept 27, KNT: The District Magistrate Baramulla has ordered the immediate closure of mining operations near Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary, citing a Supreme Court directive that prohibits mining within a one-kilometre radius of protected forests. The order came after the Wildlife Warden North Kashmir Division Sopore reported that several gypsum units in Uri and Boniyar subdivisions were operating within the prohibited zone.
In February this year, the Supreme Court ruled that mining activities in eco-sensitive zones and within one kilometre of sanctuary boundaries were illegal and must cease forthwith. Acting on this, the Baramulla administration verified the locations of local gypsum units and found that 14 such mines, including units in Dara Gutliyan, Dachina Salamabad, Bagna, Nalusa, Zamboor Patan, and Jabador, fell inside the restricted area.
The District Magistrate said the order must be implemented with immediate effect. Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Uri, Tehsildars of Uri and Boniyar, the District Mineral Officer, and officials from the Forest and Pollution Control departments have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the ban.
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Authorities emphasised that the measure is intended to protect the ecological integrity of Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary and to comply fully with the Supreme Court’s judgment. While the move is expected to affect gypsum mining activities in the region, officials noted that environmental safeguards and legal compliance take precedence over commercial interests. [KNT]
