Pulwama, April 27, KNT: Allegations of illegal mining in several areas of Tral in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have raised concern among farmers, who say the activity is affecting irrigation and agricultural water supply.
Locals from Gulab Bagh (Wani Bout), Nowdal, Lalgam, Chandrigam, Auligund and adjoining villages said extraction of sand and minerals from riverbeds and nearby areas has intensified in recent weeks.
They alleged that the unchecked mining has altered water flow, reducing availability of irrigation water for agricultural fields at a time when farming activity is underway.
“The water level has dropped and channels are getting affected. Our fields are suffering,” a local farmer said.
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Villagers expressed concern over what they described as lack of effective action from the mining department, alleging that enforcement has not kept pace with the ongoing activity.
They said despite repeated complaints, illegal extraction continues in several locations, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
The farmers, however, said police teams are carrying out action against illegal mining, including checks on vehicles and movement of extracted material but the mining department is inactive.
They maintained that stricter and sustained enforcement is needed to prevent environmental damage and safeguard agricultural resources.
They have urged authorities to intervene and ensure regulation of mining activities to protect irrigation systems and livelihoods dependent on farming. [KNT]
