Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 15: Residents today raised concerns over the illegal sale of construction material removed from the under-construction Baramulla bypass.
Locals alleged that construction debris, including gravel and stones, is being sold illegally and removed beyond the permitted hours in the Singhpora and DPS Colony areas of Delina.
“Unauthorized individuals have been transporting materials beyond the permitted hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, in direct violation of guidelines set by the authorities,” said one local resident.
They added that such unauthorized activity not only hampers the progress of the bypass project but also poses serious environmental and public safety risks.
“Instances of illegal mining and unregulated material extraction are not new to this area. Enforcement wings have previously detained several individuals involved in such illicit operations,” they said.
Locals further alleged that the construction material is being sold to private parties in violation of the guidelines.
“Although removal is supposed to stop at 5 PM, the work continues even late into the night,” they claimed.
According to details, the authorities have designated four vehicles for legal transportation of materials, bearing registration numbers JK05H-1208, JK05L-5121, JK05C-1640, and JK13B-9013.
However, it is being alleged that vehicles beyond these are also being used to transport materials illegally.
It is noteworthy that the Geology and Mining Department has granted permission to M/s Rajinder Infrastructure Pvt Ltd to dispose of surplus ordinary earth generated during the bypass construction.
For this purpose, Umar Farooq, a transporter from Kanispora, Baramulla, has been officially engaged to handle the disposal, with the admissible royalty being paid as per norms.
Locals have urged the authorities to take strict action against those found involved in the illegal transportation and sale of construction material.
“This is a clear violation of the permission norms. Swift action must be taken to prevent further misuse of resources and ensure that the bypass project proceeds without delay,” residents said.
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