Israr Kazmi
POONCH : Who will stop the illegal mining in Salotri, Poonch district? How can some influential people manage to carry out illegal mining in Poonch? How is it possible that the illegal miners are more powerful than the district administration and the mining department? When will this illegal mining be stopped in Poonch? Why are these miners violating the NGT guidelines by using heavy machinery like JCBs in the riverbed? How can miners extract materials deeper than 1.5 meters as prescribed by the NGT? How can these miners play with the security of the country, given that Salotri village is located near the LOC? These are crucial questions for the district administration and the mining department, and they should be answered to quench the people’s curiosity.
The alarming issue of illegal mining in Salotri village, located near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, has raised serious concerns among locals and authorities alike. Reports indicate that mining mafias are operating without fear, using heavy machinery, including 8-9 JCBs, to extract gravel on a large scale. Despite the evident environmental degradation and security implications, neither the police nor the mining department has taken any concrete action or questioned those involved.
Residents of the area have expressed their deep resentment over the situation, highlighting the severe water scarcity caused by the unregulated mining activities. It has been revealed that large-scale excavation of gravel has resulted in 10-15 feet deep holes, posing significant risks to public safety. Tragically, the area has already witnessed the loss of 4-5 young lives due to mining-related accidents last summer, further intensifying the urgency of the issue.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Army personnel stationed near the riverbed have confirmed that they have repeatedly warned against the illegal activities. However, despite these warnings, the mining operations continue unabated. The proximity of the mining site to the LoC has raised significant security concerns, with locals fearing that the deep gorges created by the excavation could be exploited for infiltration attempts in the future.
In light of these dangers, the people of Salotri have now appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, Vikas Kundal, to take immediate cognizance of the matter. They are urging the district administration to take swift action to stop the illegal mining, address the water scarcity, and ensure strict measures against those responsible for this environmental and security menace.
This situation underscores the urgent need for administrative intervention to safeguard the environment, local livelihoods, and national security. The residents of Salotri are calling for decisive action to protect their community from the devastating consequences of illegal mining.
