Srinagar, Mar 25(KNS): Illegal sand extraction continues in several parts of the Kashmir Valley despite a government ban on customary mining, officials and locals said on Tuesday.
The Jammu and Kashmir Geology and Mining Department, in a circular issued on March 16, 2026, directed all District Mineral Officers not to grant any permissions for customary mining until further orders, in compliance with directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The ban particularly applies to sand extraction from the Jhelum river.
However, reports from the ground suggest that illegal mining activities are ongoing in multiple locations across the Valley, including Kichak Kot, Sather Sangam, Dogripora, Hallamulla in Anantnag district, Laterdal Pampore, Shalina Pampore, Sombura, Shivpora, Panthachowk, Qamarwari in Srinagar, and Sumbal, Sopore and Drangbal in Baramulla district.
Residents have raised concerns over environmental degradation, warning that unchecked mining could lead to riverbank erosion and damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Environmentalists said strict enforcement measures are needed to curb the practice. “Unless the boats used for extraction are seized, such activities will continue,” an environmental expert said.
Locals also questioned the administration over the continued movement of boats in the river despite the ban, calling for their immediate seizure and enhanced monitoring.
A senior official in the Geology and Mining Department said district officers have been directed to implement the order in “letter and spirit” and ensure that no violations take place.(KNS).