Srinagar, Mar 8 (KNS): Residents of Reram village in Tangmarg area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district have alleged violations in mining activities in a local stream, claiming that contractors are digging deeper than permitted and using machinery not authorised by the government.
Locals said the Mining Department had granted conditional permission for excavation at the site, restricting digging to a depth of three feet and allowing only specified vehicles and machinery.
However, residents alleged that heavy JCB machines were being used and excavation in some places had reached depths of up to 20 feet.
“The permission order clearly mentions the vehicle numbers authorised for mining, but several other vehicles are also operating here. This is a violation of the rules,” a local resident said.
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They also alleged that officials from the Mining Department and other concerned departments had not been visiting the site to monitor the activity.
“Despite repeated complaints, no officials have come to verify the ground situation,” another resident said.
Residents further claimed that several walnut trees had been cut during the process and warned that deep excavation in the stream could increase the risk of flooding and pose a threat to nearby houses.
They urged authorities to conduct a spot inspection and take steps to ensure that mining activities are carried out in accordance with the permitted conditions.
Officials from the Mining Department could not be reached for comment.(KNS)