In Shopian, Jhelum tributary gasps under illegal mining
Shopian, Oct 30: Police in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have intensified their crackdown on illegal sand and gravel extraction from the Rambiara River — a key tributary of the Jhelum — registering 17 FIRs and seizing multiple heavy machines and vehicles over the past 20 days, officials said Thursday.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shopian, Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary, said the campaign against illegal mining has been stepped up across the district.
“Police have gone tough against offenders. Over the last 20 days, 17 FIRs have been registered and several excavators, tippers, and tractors have been seized,” Choudhary told Greater Kashmir.
Since October 23, police have confiscated at least 22 vehicles used for illegal mineral extraction, including dumpers, JCBs, tractors, and tippers. On Thursday, two fresh FIRs were filed at Keegam and Zainapora police stations, with two JCBs seized on the spot.
Originating from the Pir Panjal range, the Rambiara flows through several Shopian villages before joining the Jhelum. Over the years, it has turned into a hotspot for unregulated sand mining, often carried out during night hours despite repeated government warnings.
Residents say rampant extraction has eroded riverbanks, damaged irrigation channels, and endangered farmlands. “The riverbed has deepened at several points, leaving trenches that threaten our orchards and paddy fields,” said Abdul Rashid, a farmer from Shirmal.
Locals allege that powerful sand mafias continue to operate freely, exploiting lax enforcement and high demand for construction material. “Even after raids, the same people return within days,” said a resident of Zainapora.
Police, however, maintain that the ongoing drive will continue with sustained enforcement and monitoring. “The focus is on vulnerable stretches of the river where illegal activity has been most rampant,” an official said.
Earlier, District Mineral Officer (DMO) Shopian, Fayaz Ahmad, said over 155 vehicles have been seized since April and fines amounting to Rs 35 lakh recovered from violators.
Locals have welcomed the latest crackdown but called for consistent action. “We appreciate the police effort, but it must continue year-round to save the Rambiara from dying,” a resident said.
