Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Feb 25: In a startling development that has raised concerns among locals, river bed material (RBM) was reportedly observed being extracted in broad daylight from a riverbed in the Saranoo area of Rajouri.
The incident has prompted residents and environmental observers to question the effectiveness of monitoring by the Department of Geology and Mining, Jammu and Kashmir.
A local resident, Ramesh Sharma, alleged that heavy machinery and vehicles were seen operating openly at the site.
“Sand and other minor minerals were being extracted during the day without any visible oversight,” he said.
According to Manohar Lal, another local of the area said, “The activity appeared unregulated, raising suspicions of possible illegal mining.”
The timing and scale of the operation have further intensified concerns among the local population.
Environmentalists and community members have warned of serious ecological consequences, including damage to river ecosystems, increased soil erosion, and long-term degradation of water bodies.
Questions are now being raised about whether adequate field monitoring mechanisms are in place and if existing mining regulations are being effectively enforced.
Local stakeholders have demanded clarity from authorities regarding whether any legal permits were issued for the extraction.
They have also urged immediate action to stop any unauthorized activities, if confirmed.
Meanwhile, when contacted, Iqbal, incharge DMO Rajouri, denied having any knowledge of such an incident in the area.
However, he assured that if any such case comes to light, it will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken against those involved.
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