Illegal sand extraction racket busted near Jhelum in Kakapora

Pulwama, July 26: A clandestine sand extraction operation has been unearthed in Oukho village of Kakapora area in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The perpetrators allegedly diverted water from the Jhelum river to create an artificial pond for covert sand mining.The illegal operation came to light during a surprise raid conducted by the Department of Geology and Mining, led by District Mineral Officer (DMO) Pulwama, Dr. Khursheed Ahmad Dar.Speaking to Rising Kashmir, DMO Dar said the accused had constructed a pond-like structure parallel to theJhelum by diverting sand and silt laden river water. “Two heavy pumps and boats were utilised for extraction of sand from the artificial pond— all away from public view,” Dar said. What raises further concern is that the illegal site lies just a stone’s throw from the office of the Executive Engineer, Flood Control Division Kakapora.Dar confirmed that both pumps were seized during the raid and a hefty penalty has been imposed on the offender, who is the owner of a brick kiln. “The individual is suspected to have been carrying out this secret sand extraction for several years. Once we received information, we acted swiftly and halted the operation on the spot,” he said.He added that if the penalty is not paid, further legal action will follow as per the provisions of the law. A video of the raid has gone viral on social media, showing DMO Pulwama urging the Tehsildar and the Executive Engineer of the Flood Control Division to direct their field staff to inspect the site and assess the damage to the river embankment.Executive Engineer, Flood Control Division Kakapora, Samiullah Naikoo, told Rising Kashmir that there was no diversion of water from the Jhelum.“Had there been any diversion of water we would have taken an appropriate action,” he said, adding the water collected naturally.He added that since the activity occurred on private land, his department cannot take direct action.The responsibility for taking action lies with the DMO,” he said.