Despite DC Rajouri’s strict order, sand mining going on unabatedly, Locals demand strong action

Despite DC Rajouri’s strict order, sand mining going on unabatedly, Locals demand strong action

POONCH TODAY NEWS

RAJOURI: Sand mining mafia has become so active that district administration Rajouri finding itself frail when it comes to counter the nefarious designs of mafia members. Open illegal mining is going on near Kallar area of Rajouri district. At some more places, sand mining mafia is active. Locals of the area while talking to “POONCH TODAY” said, “ There is a huge threat to our agriculture land due to sand mining mafia. Officials of administration come and go, but we have not seen any tough action on the ground. It shows that everyone is befooling us”  added “Large number of trolleys carrying material from river beds is a daily routine. This is going on despite of the fact that High Court in October 2012 had banned extraction near major bridges. District administration also imposed ban many times but the order is being violated openly.” They also said that Tractor trolleys are seen near major bridges and at various important locations off and on and it leads to an indication that few officials are hand in glove with sand mining mafia. Reminding administration about huge effects of September 2014 flood, locals said that if this practice is not stopped for the future, then many areas of Rajouri may witness flood and those people who are residing near river bed area and those having their agriculture land near river area are likely to suffer huge. They also alleged that District Mining officer is hand in glove with sand mining mafia. Seeking ACB inquiry into the whole issue, locals appealed government for a strong action against those officials who have failed on all fronts in taking action against sand mafia. When contacted, DC Rajouri Mohd Aijaz Asad, said, “Strong action will be taken against those who are involved in illegal mining”