Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 15: Residents of Ladoora area in north Kashmir’s Sopore today staged a protest against illegal sand extraction.
According to the aggrieved residents, who are seeking immediate action by the authorities, the extraction, going on for months, has caused severe damage not only to the river Jhelum embankments but also to horticultural land.
“The illegal activity has threatened the security of our land; it causes landslides,” said a protestor, Mushtaq Ahmad Hajam.
The residents expressed alarm over the damage, stating that the unabated extraction of sand threatens their orchards, which are key to their livelihood.
“Our livelihood is at stake. This is the only source of income for us. If it (extraction) continues, where shall we go? We have families to feed,” said another resident, Mohammad Ayub Dar.
The locals said that the extraction of sand has been ongoing for the last six months, with authorities failing to act despite being informed about it.
“We have approached the concerned departments, including Geology and Mining, Irrigation and Flood Control; we even approached the District Magistrate in this regard, but no action has been taken so far,” said Fayaz Ahmad, another protestor.
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