Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 30: Illegal soil extraction is going on unabated in the Turkpora village of Bandipora and the authorities have not been able to stop the same despite the matter being brought to their notice time and again.
The residents whose lives as well as their fields are at risk due to the soil extraction in the area allege that the concerned officials are hand-in-glove with the people who are carrying out the illegal soil extraction.
“We have been informing the authorities about it but instead of taking action against the violators, those who complained about it faced the heat, prompting them to remain silent despite open violations being carried out,” a resident of the area told Excelsior on the condition of anonymity.
The residents said that extraction continues to pose a serious risk to them and that the only road connecting the entire area with the rest of the district has also been damaged due to the unabated soil extraction.
Those who are aware of the developments told Excelsior that when the issue was first highlighted, the District Mineral Office took the necessary action which includes lodging an FIR, and the extraction was even halted for some time, “but that did not deter the violators from carrying out the soil extraction illegally as the same continues particularly during the night hours,” they said.
As per details, the soil extraction continues in the area during the night hours, and on average over 30 truckloads of soil are extracted per night. “It did stop for a while, but then, it started all over again; the authorities have to look into the matter; they can’t pressurize the residents who are trying to raise their voices against the illegal works that are going on.
The District Mineral Officer (DMO) Naseer Ahmad Bhat, Bandipora told Excelsior that he joined just a few days back and that he will look into the matter. “I am not quite aware of the matter as of now, but I will ensure a look into it and do the needful wherever necessary,” he said.
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