Samba, June 04: Apni Party provincial president, Jammu, and former minister, S Manjit Singh on Sunday demanded a curb on illegal mining of minerals from the river beds in district Samba due to which the groundwater level has reduced in many villages.
The former minister was addressing a meeting at village Koulpur during which the people appraised him about various developmental issues with the Apni Party leaders. The meeting was organised by Block Vice President, Vijaypur, Sadar Wazir Singh Jangi.
Addressing the meeting, S. Manjit Singh extended support to the growing concern of the people with regard to the drop in groundwater level following planned and unscientific mining in the river beds by the mining mafia, a party statement issued here said.
“The groundwater level has reduced to a drastic level in villages around Devak and Basantr rivers which has alarmed the locals and they have raised serious concern over the unabated mining by the mafia with the involvement of the mining department and civil administration,” he said, expressing his displeasure over the situation which has caused uneasiness among the villagers.
He said the villagers are mostly dependent upon groundwater for irrigation and drinking purposes but the inaction of the authorities against the mining mafia has posed a threat to the ecosystem, and groundwater level. “If no action is taken against the mining mafia, the people will come on the road. Therefore, it is better for the authorities to take immediate steps to put a curb on the mining mafia who have dug deep over 20 to 25 ft in the river beds which has resulted in the reduced groundwater level,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also referred to other developmental issues raised by the people with regard to road connectivity, and unscheduled power cuts and demanded that the authorities should take steps for the revamp of developmental activities. He criticized authorities that they can bring positive change in the lives of the people, but their inaction, and actions against the public will have developed a feeling of alienation from the LG administration.
