Authorities intensify crackdown against illegal mining in Pulwama’s Romeshi Nallah

Pulwama, Aug 05: Authorities in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have launched a series of intensive drives over the past few days to combat illegal mining activities in Romeshi Nallah, a crucial tributary of the river Jhelum.
Originating in the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal mountain range, Romeshi Nallah flows through various areas of Pulwama before merging with the Vitasta river at the historic town of Kakapora.
This water body is a vital resource for the residents of several villages, from Sangerwani to Kakapora.
The rivulet assumes much significance for providing irrigation and drinking water, a habit for various freshwater fish species and source of various minor minerals like sand, gravel, and boulders.
Er Mohamad Manzoor, District Mineral Officer, Geology and Mining Pulwama, informed Rising Kashmir that they had been receiving numerous complaints about illegal mining activities being carried out by unscrupulous elements using tractors.
He said that following these complaints, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, who has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining, directed multiple raids to be conducted, even during early morning and late evening hours.
The District Mineral Officer said that in one raid carried out earlier, three tractors involved in illegal mining were seized, and in the latest operation, ramps were cut off using earthmovers.
Manzoor further added that during the recent operation, they disrupted various approach roads leading to Romeshi Nallah to prevent access for illegal mining activities. “The approach roads and pathways were blocked at multiple locations from Karimabad to Rahmoo stretch of the Romeshi Nallah,” he said.
He revealed that in July, they seized 39 vehicles involved in illegal mining and transportation of minerals across the district.
“Minerals illegally dumped at five different locations were seized, and persons involved in this illegal activity were fined a total of 12 lakh rupees. In the past month, two FIRs were also registered against persons involved in illegal mining activities.”