Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 18: Vehicles permitted for ferrying soil for Government projects will be equipped with GPS tracking and monitored through CCTV cameras to prevent illegal practices, officials said today.
District Mineral Officer (DMO) Baramulla, Sarfaraz Ahmad, told ‘Excelsior’ that the decision was recently taken during a meeting with the Commissioner Secretary concerned, and that strict monitoring measures will be implemented.
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“We will install GPS on these vehicles for real-time monitoring. It was also decided that CCTV cameras will be installed and monitored from the DMO office to track vehicle movement,” Ahmad said.
Meanwhile, a sanctioned soil extraction project meant for the Narbal-Uri National Highway has allegedly turned into an illegal sand mining operation in the Chenad area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The subcontractor company, which had permission only to extract soil and sand for the highway project, has allegedly been illegally mining and selling sand to private contractors in several areas, including Budgam, at rates of around Rs 7,000 per tipper and Rs 13,000 per dumper.
Locals have raised serious allegations of a nexus between the company and officials of the Geology and Mining Department, questioning how such large-scale illegal activity continues unchecked.
Residents also complained that the link road in the area has been severely damaged due to the continuous movement of heavy vehicles and machinery involved in the extraction.
They alleged that several tippers and dumpers operating at the site lack valid permissions from the authorities.
Adding to the risks, locals said a 33,000-volt power line passes through the site, warning that continued mining could cause a major accident or power disruption if not stopped immediately.
“This is not development – it is daylight robbery disguised as progress,” said one local, demanding accountability from both the company and the officials allegedly involved.
On the issue, the DMO said, “I have conveyed the matter to the area in-charge, and we are investigating it. We are also verifying details on the e-challan portal. Any violation will lead to strict action. The permission has been halted for now.”
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