Rafiabad, May 10(KNS): The rampant illegal sand mining in Rafiabad, particularly in the Sangrampora, Rawoocha, Waripora and Batpora has put the region’s environment at significant risk. Local authorities, despite repeated complaints, seem to be unable or unwilling to curb the destruction of forests, pastures and water resources caused by the sand mafia operating across the region.

The mining activities, primarily conducted at night, have been causing large-scale environmental damage. While government departments such as the Forest Department, Geology and Mining and Revenue Department are tasked with controlling such illegal activities, there appears to be little action on the ground. Sources claim that either these authorities have been complicit in the operations or are simply turning a blind eye to the blatant theft of the state’s resources.

In many areas, the speed at which tractors and tippers are operating has caused public concern. Residents fear for their safety as the vehicles race through local roads, with some even reporting difficulty in sleeping at night due to the constant noise.

Despite claims from the Geology and Forest Departments that they are addressing the issue, residents argue that the authorities fail to prevent the illegal sand extraction activities, especially during the nighttime.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelLocals question why the relevant departments are unable to control the situation if they are indeed “on the job.”

Further raising concerns, the unchecked destruction of forest lands and pastures is reshaping the region’s landscape, with some questioning the legality of altering land geography, even if it’s privately owned. There are fears that Rafiabad, particularly Dangiwacha Tehsil, may suffer the same fate as the area’s deteriorating water systems—once-pristine canals and streams now contaminated and encroached upon.

“The silence of the administration is worrying,” said a local resident. “It seems like the illegal sand mafia operates with impunity, while the authorities are either powerless or complicit. If the government has a royalty process in place, why is there still so much illegal mining?”

With forest officials showing little response to repeated complaints, the situation continues to worsen. Locals worry that without immediate intervention, the region’s natural resources, already severely damaged, may never recover.(KNS).