Unchecked sand mining threatens Rambiara river

Shopian, Oct 27: Unchecked illegal sand and gravel extraction from the Rambiara river in south Kashmir’s Shopian district has triggered outrage among locals, who say the rampant activity is destroying the fragile river ecosystem that feeds into the Jhelum.

Residents alleged that heavy machinery — including excavators, tippers, and tractors — operates daily along the river, leaving behind deep trenches and stagnant water pools. “The riverbed has been plundered. Illegal mining happens in broad daylight, and no one stops it,” said Abdul Hameed, a resident.

Once a lively mountain-fed stream, the Rambiara now bears scars of erosion and unregulated digging. “It’s a free-for-all,” said another local, claiming loaded trucks can be seen leaving the site every evening.

Officials, however, dismissed the allegations.

District Mining Officer Fayaz Ahmad said the department has intensified checks and established monitoring posts. “Despite manpower constraints, we’re acting against violators. Machinery used in illegal mining is being seized,” he said.

Police ,too have stepped up enforcement, seizing multiple vehicles involved in unauthorised extraction. Two dumpers were confiscated in Zainapora, and FIRs (Nos. 95/2025 and 96/2025) were registered. Another JCB and a tractor were seized by Shopian Police under FIR No. 229/2025.

Despite these actions, locals insist that the damage to the Rambiara continues unchecked, urging strict enforcement and sustainable measures to protect what they call “the lifeline of Shopian’s ecology.”