Restrictions on mining in Ganderbal disrupts livelihood of thousands
Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Sept 1: Restrictions on sand and gravel extraction from Nallah Sindh have disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of workers and families in Ganderbal, with labourers demanding seamless access to the waterway and restoration of their source of income....
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 1: Restrictions on sand and gravel extraction from Nallah Sindh have disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of workers and families in Ganderbal, with labourers demanding seamless access to the waterway and restoration of their source of income.
For workers who have depended on the activity for decades, the restrictions have meant fewer working days and sharply reduced earnings.
Labourers, drivers and others linked to the extraction and supply chain said some are now struggling to earn even Rs 500 a day.
“I have been working here for the last 50 years, extracting sand and gravel. We used to sustain ourselves better and earn well. As of now, I am not able to sustain myself,” said Muhammad Sultan Malla.
“We are not even able to earn Rs 500 per day. What are we going to do?” he asked.
Malla said the issue had been raised with the Government during the elections and claimed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had assured people that Nallah Sindh would “remain open” to residents of Ganderbal.
“Thousands of people are associated with the extraction. It is a chain of people dependent on the mining of sand and gravel. If we are not allowed to work, we will either have to let our families suffer or start begging,” he said.
Residents said the impact of the restrictions extends beyond those directly involved in extraction, with transporters and others dependent on the movement and supply of sand and gravel also losing income.
For Abdul Majeed Khan, Nallah Sindh has historically been a major source of livelihood for communities along its stretch.
“Nallah Sindh used to be the main source of income and livelihood. We were told that we did not need jobs because we had a treasure in the form of Nallah Sindh,” Khan said.
He said thousands of people from Kangan to Bamloora were associated with the activity and were now facing financial difficulties due to the loss of regular work.
Muhammad Sultan Reshi, who had worked as a labourer in Nallah Sindh since childhood, said the situation had changed drastically.
He said the loss of work had made it difficult for families to meet basic expenses. “I have daughters to be married, but I have no avenues,” he said.
Umar Mustafa Mir, District Mineral Officer, Ganderbal, said the Government was streamlining legal extraction rather than stopping it.
He said clearances for two Nallah Sindh blocks expired in 2024 and renewals are under process. Of three blocks auctioned this year, he said, one was successful, while two are being reconsidered for re-auctioning.
