Suhail Rather
Bandipora, June 01(KNS): The Authwatoo–Arin Nallah's in north Kashmir's Bandipora district has allegedly transformed into a major hub of illegal mining, with residents accusing the Fisheries Department of turning a blind eye to large-scale extraction of minerals from the protected water body.
Residents from Ahamshareef, Bonakoot, Gamroo, Gundkaiser, Check and adjoining areas alleged that more than a hundred tractors and tippers are involved in transporting bajri and other mining material from the nallah every night, with operations continuing until around 10 a.m. the following day.
Locals said the situation has become unbearable, as the continuous movement of tractors and the loud sound of stones being dumped into vehicles throughout the night have deprived residents of sleep.
"We cannot sleep at night. The noise created by tractors entering the nallah and the constant sound of stones being loaded into vehicles continues till the early morning hours," several residents complained.
A resident of Bandipora claimed that on the night between May 31 and June 1, at around 11:30 p.m., he personally witnessed more than 20 tractors actively ferrying material from Authwatoo Nallah.
"It looked as if they were operating from a legally approved mining site. There was no fear, no checking and no monitoring. Tractors were moving freely one after another," he alleged.
Residents further claimed that horses are being extensively used inside the nallah to transport mining material, while large heaps of excavated material are dumped along roadsides before being loaded onto vehicles. Muck and debris allegedly scattered on public roads have also become a major inconvenience for commuters.
The locals expressed serious concern over the ecological damage being caused to Arin Nallah, once known for its aquatic life and environmental significance.
Residents alleged that Fisheries officials are rarely seen conducting inspections on the ground while illegal extraction continues unabated.
"We hardly see any fisheries officials in the field. Most of them remain confined to their offices while hundreds of tractors continue extracting material from the nallah," another resident said.
Many locals also questioned the department's priorities, alleging that genuine developmental works often face delays in obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs), whereas illegal mining operators appear to function without any restrictions.
"For public welfare and developmental projects, the department raises objections and delays permissions. But when it comes to large-scale illegal mining, there seems to be complete silence," a local alleged.
When contacted, officials of the Fisheries Department reportedly said they were busy in Srinagar due to official engagements involving delegates.
The response has drawn criticism from residents, who argue that safeguarding nallahs and fisheries resources is among the department's primary responsibilities.
"If authorities cannot protect these fisheries nallahs from large-scale illegal extraction taking place day and night, then what is the purpose of having a Fisheries Department?" questioned Mubashir Ahmad, a resident of Bandipora.
Residents alleged that illegal mining has reached alarming proportions, with hundreds of vehicles operating regularly and no visible monitoring mechanism in place. They urged the district administration to immediately intervene, launch a thorough inquiry and fix responsibility for what they described as a complete failure of vigilance by the concerned department.
The locals have demanded strict action against those involved in illegal mining and accountability from officials entrusted with protecting the fragile ecosystem and natural resources of the region.(KNS).