Illegal mining damages Nallah Romeshi embankments at Wahibugh

Pulwama, Sept 30: The embankments of Romeshi Nallah, a key tributary of the Jhelum River, have been severely damaged by illegal mining activities in Wahibugh village, located in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. This damage has raised concerns among local residents about increased risks of flooding and environmental degradation in the area.
Romeshi Nallah, which originates from the Pir Panjal mountain range, flows through several villages in Pulwama, including Wahibugh, before merging with the Jhelum at Kakapora. The stream is vital to the region, providing irrigation, drinking water, and serving as a habitat for various freshwater fish species. It is also a source of minor minerals such as sand, gravel, and boulders.
Local residents from Wahibugh told Rising Kashmir that over the past decade, mining activities, particularly illegal operations, have severely impacted the water body. They reported that prolonged mining has deepened the stream, reducing water levels and depriving many kanals of land of irrigation, as smaller brooks have failed to draw water from the Romeshi.
The use of heavy machinery in mining has significantly altered the stream’s structure. Residents from Chewa Khurd and Wahibugh noted that Romeshi, once a shallow waterway, has been transformed into a deep, trench-like structure, which becomes particularly dangerous during peak flow seasons. They added that two members of the nomadic Gujjar-Bakerwal tribe recently lost their lives after accidentally falling into the stream near Chewa Khurd.
Locals accuse illegal miners of further weakening the embankments of Romeshi Nallah in recent weeks. They fear that the damaged embankments will result in flooding, threatening their agricultural lands and property. The residents have urged authorities to take swift action to halt illegal mining and restore the stream’s embankments to prevent further environmental damage.
District Mineral Officer (DMO) Pulwama, Er Mohammad Manzoor, stated that their field staff has been monitoring illegal mining activities. He reported that a few FIRs have been registered, and some vehicles involved in illegal mining have been seized. He assured the public that he would visit the site to assess the situation. However, the DMO denied the use of heavy machinery for mining in the area.