MLA Udhampur condemns illegal mining, warns of environmental crisis

Udhampur, Jun 14: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania on Saturday condemned the ongoing illegal mining operations that are severely damaging the region’s environment and infrastructure.
Accusing a “brazen mining cartel” and “complicit officials,” he alleged that political patronage is fueling the unregulated extraction of natural resources, leading to a looming ecological and infrastructural disaster.
In a public interaction at the BJP Headquarters here, Pathania expressed deep concern over the “systematic plundering” of riverbeds, particularly along the Tawi River, which has resulted in increased turbidity and reduced water quality. “Large-scale mining in various nallahs and river stretches has compromised the structural integrity of vital bridges like Salmey, Birma, and Kah More,” he said. “The Salmey Bridge, once sturdy, is now critically weakened; Birma Bridge has been temporarily bypassed due to damage, and Kah More Bridge faces a near-collapse threat, each due to mining activities within meters of their foundations.”
The MLA drew attention to an official communication from the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department, which confirmed that ongoing mineral extraction has led to unprecedented environmental degradation. The letter detailed how the river’s self-purification capacity has been nearly obliterated, affecting water supply schemes serving towns and villages, including Jaganoo, Rathian, Thill, Satani, Roun, Kawa, and Pipple. He warned that unless immediate remedial action is taken, a severe drinking water crisis could unfold, impacting thousands.
The BJP leader criticised the authorities’ inaction, saying, “Despite multiple representations, public protests, and discussions in the Legislative Assembly, no effective measures have been taken to curb the illegal operations. Local residents have documented the destruction through videos and live streams, yet enforcement remains absent. This is a shameful dereliction of duty,” he declared, calling for accountability and swift action.”
He questioned the legality of the numerous stone crushers and mining units operating in the area, demanding a comprehensive audit to verify permits from the Pollution Control Board, Forest Department, and other regulatory bodies. He pointed out suspicious electricity consumption by some units, suggesting possible violations or unpermitted operations, and called for transparency in permit disclosures and punitive measures against offenders.
Later, Pathania inaugurated the long-awaited Kabir Mandir Road at Baryal, fulfilling a decade-long demand. The road is expected to significantly improve local mobility and access, bringing relief to residents.
Reaffirming his commitment to sustainable development, Pathania warned that environmental preservation and infrastructure development must go hand-in-hand. “We cannot sacrifice our rivers, bridges, and future at the altar of greed and administrative negligence,” he said. He urged the government to launch a full-scale crackdown on illegal mining, warning that failure to act will lead to a mass public movement demanding accountability from those responsible.