Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 2: In clear violations of court orders, the sand extraction machines are operating in Jhelum at Pampore of area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, hence posing greater threat to already weak bunds on the either sides of the river.
Several sand extracting machines could be seen in the waters of Jhelum at Pampore area but no concerned official is taking action against them. Although few months back the concerned authorities seized several of the machines in south Kashmir but now the exercise has been put on halt. The Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department is authorized to seize these machines.
The sand extractors, who extract the sand by traditional methods, are miffed over the inaction of the concerned authorities and have urged them to take cognizance . “These machines not only violate court orders but also weaken bunds and snatch our livelihood. Their activities must be curbed,” said the sand extractor.
Tehsildar Pampore, Muhammad Maqbool feigned ignorance about the sand extraction machines currently operating in Pampore but assured that he will take action if Court orders are being violated. “I will look into the matter and if there are no violation then the action would be taken by seizing these machines,” he told Excelsior.