Mining in Nallah Romeshi: DMO Pulwama submits report

Pulwama, Dec 03: District Mineral Officer (DMO), Geology and Mining Department, Pulwama, Er. Mohammad Manzoor, has submitted a report on mining operations in Nallah Romeshi to higher authorities.
The report was sought by the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Kumar Choudhury, after a grievance was highlighted by noted climate activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat on the social media platform X.
Dr. Bhat posted geotagged pictures of mining activities in Nallah Romeshi, accusing the Geology and Mining Department of permitting unauthorized mining near Gusoo, Pulwama, despite assurances to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that no illegal mining would occur in the stream.
“In February this year, the JK Pollution Control Committee, after the NGT’s intervention, directed DC Pulwama and the DMO to halt mining work in Nallah Romeshi. But who cares?” the activist posted.
Taking note of the grievance, Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhury, who also oversees the mining portfolio, directed the Geology and Mining Department to take action and submit a detailed report.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Er. Mohammad Manzoor stated that the report has been submitted to his higher authorities for onward transmission to the Deputy CM’s office. He clarified that the mining activities highlighted in the geotagged pictures were carried out in Block 37, which was leased through government e-auction.
“There is a need to differentiate between permitted and illegal mining operations,” he said, “I have no objections if the government decides to close the block. However, not allowing permissible mining could lead to a crisis in construction material availability.”
The DMO further explained that, following the NGT’s intervention, the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee had issued closure orders for Block 36 in Nallah Romeshi and block 3 in Nallah Rambiara.
“Block 36, located upstream of Block 37 near Rohmoo, has already been closed, as has Block 3 in Rambiara near Lassipora,” he said.
He emphasized that the confusion arose from associating the NGT’s directions with Block 37, which remains operational under government authorization.
Er. Manzoor also highlighted ongoing action against illegal mining in the district. “From April to November 2024, around 333 vehicles and machines involved in unauthorized operations were seized, and fines amounting to over ₹91 lakh were imposed,” he said.