Pulwama authorities ban sand mining in Jhelum’s Litterbal area

Pulwama, Oct 15: Authorities in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have announced a complete ban on sand mining from the Jhelum River in the Litterbal area of Pampore, effective from Wednesday. This decision was taken after severe damage to the river’s embankments was observed, reportedly caused by illegal sand mining.
Tehsildar Pampore, Malik Asif Ahmad, speaking to the media, said that the embankments were damaged by illegal sand mafias who took advantage of the election period in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that FIRs will be registered against individuals who damaged the embankments.
“Many people extract sand from Jhelum in Litterbal. They were instructed to conduct sand extraction from the middle of the river, which would also assist with dredging. Unfortunately, they took undue advantage during the election period and caused significant damage to the embankments,” Ahmad said.
He added that a joint drive was launched on Tuesday to address the situation, involving officials from the police, geology and mining, flood control, and revenue departments.
The Tehsildar confirmed that the illegal sand mining network had been dismantled.
“We seized equipment used by the miners, and no further mining will be allowed in the Litterbal area,” he added.
Residents associated with sand mining in Litterbal have been warned against continuing any extraction activities. Ahmad stressed that strict legal action would be taken against offenders, including the issuance of warrants and potential detention.
“We have video evidence against some individuals responsible for damaging the embankments. FIRs will be lodged, and legal action will follow,” Ahmad said.
District Mineral Officer, Geology and Mining Pulwama, Er Mohammad Manzoor, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the crackdown. Officials from revenue, irrigation and flood control, and geology and mining departments participated in the operation. He confirmed the seizure of two earthmovers and two trucks (tippers )during a night raid, adding that the authorities had consistently acted against offenders.
“We also destroyed the web-like structures set up by those involved in illegal mining. Ropes were cut, and equipment was seized from the site,” Manzoor said.