Langate, Sept 30: Several illegal approach roads and exit routes leading towards Nallah Mawar in Tulwari, Chek Shat and Shanoo areas of Langate were disconnected on Tuesday to prevent illegal mining and transportation of minerals.
According to the Area In-Charge, Sub-Division Handwara, a joint team of the Geology and Mining Department and Police Post Langate carried out the operation and blocked several routes allegedly being used for illegal mining and transportation activities.
The official said the action was aimed at restricting access to Nallah Mawar and adjoining state land where illegal extraction of minerals was allegedly taking place. The routes were disconnected to prevent the movement of vehicles involved in such activities, particularly during night hours.
The Area In-Charge said the Geology and Mining Department had already written to the concerned Revenue Department for assessment and identification of state and private land in the area to facilitate strict action against illegal mining. However, he said no response had so far been received from the Revenue Department, Langate.
Locals appreciated the efforts of Tehsildar Langate Mohammad Ismail, saying that he had visited the affected areas several times and interacted with local youth, urging them to stay away from illegal mining activities.
Residents, however, also raised concerns over flood protection measures along Nallah Mawar. They alleged that several stretches from Dornukh-Shatagund to Kharou Langate lack proper protective boundaries and strong flood-defence structures.
Locals also raised concern over the role of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department in protecting Nallah Mawar.
They said there is no proper flood-protection boundary along the stretch from Dornukh-Shatagund to Kharou Langate.Residents urged the concerned department to strengthen the flood-defence structures and protect the nallah before any major damage occurs.
A geologist, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over increasing mining activity along the nallah. He said uncontrolled extraction of minerals could increase the vulnerability of the area to damage during heavy rainfall or cloudburst events in the upper reaches of Nallah Mawar.
The geologist said agricultural and state land in the area could be affected by unregulated mining and stressed the need for proper assessment, monitoring and preventive measures by the concerned departments.
Locals said teams of the Geology and Mining Department, along with Handwara Police, had conducted several operations in the area in the past. They, however, demanded regular monitoring and stronger action against those involved in illegal mining.
Bashir Ahmad, a local resident, said several important bridges over Nallah Mawar had suffered damage in the past and urged the administration to take immediate steps to protect the nallah.
“Nallah Mawar is an important water source for the Handwara sub-division. The administration should take strict action against illegal mining and also strengthen flood protection measures along the nallah,” he said.
Residents appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and Deputy Commissioner Kupwara to direct the Revenue Department, Irrigation and Flood Control Department and other concerned agencies to take coordinated measures against illegal mining and protect Nallah Mawar.
They said regular inspections, proper identification of land and strengthening of flood-protection measures were necessary to safeguard the nallah and surrounding villages.
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