Experts raised strong concerns on Monday over ongoing illegal mining in Jammu and Kashmir, despite recent assurances from the newly elected Deputy Chief Minister, Surender Chaudhary, who also holds the portfolio for Geology and Mining.
Chaudhary recently stated that the government’s commitment to curbing illegal mining and noted ongoing efforts to regulate the sector.However, experts argue that illegal mining activities continue unchecked, posing serious environmental risks across the region.
Raja Muzaffar explained that residents have frequently reported illegal mining operations, especially in riverbeds and streams, where heavy machinery is used to dig as deep as 10 to 15 feet. This extensive excavation disrupts the natural ecosystem of these water bodies, visibly altering the landscape and damaging local water resources.
Professor M. A. Malik added that the environmental damage goes beyond physical changes to the land. “Illegal mining is a major threat to aquatic biodiversity,” he noted, explaining that such activities endanger fish and other species reliant on the delicate ecosystem within these waters.
The heavy machinery disturbs not only surface areas but also subsurface habitats, threatening the long term sustainability of fish populations and other aquatic organisms.These experts urge the government to take immediate action to enforce anti-mining regulations and protect the region’s natural resources. (KNS)
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