“DMO says over 20 vehicles seized during enforcement drives; seeks public cooperation to identify offenders as locals demand protection”
Seerat-Un-Nisa
Bandipora, June 2: Residents of Gundpora-Rampora village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district have expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the village playground, alleging that rampant illegal mining in a nearby stream has severely damaged the sports facility and threatened its future.
Locals said that tractors and tippers involved in the transportation of illegally extracted sand and boulders have turned portions of the playground into a makeshift road, causing extensive damage to the ground and making it unsuitable for sporting activities.
“The drivers have made the playground a road for transporting mining material. Heavy vehicles pass through the ground daily, which has severely deteriorated its condition. What was once a smooth playing field is now damaged and unfit for sports activities,” said local player Towseef Ahmad to Kashmir Despatch.
Another player, said hundreds of youth depend on the playground for recreational activities. “We don’t have any alternative sports facilities in the area. If this continues, the ground will become unusable,” he said.
“Sports grounds play a crucial role in keeping youth away from drugs and other social evils. If this playground is lost due to illegal mining, it will deprive hundreds of youngsters of a safe and constructive space, pushing many towards negative influences,” said local player Suhail Ahmad.
Residents alleged that illegal mining activities in the nearby stream continue during morning and night hours, causing soil erosion and damage to the surrounding landscape. They warned that continued extraction could further weaken the area and affect the only playground available to local youth.
“We have been raising the issue repeatedly, but no concrete action has been taken so far. The authorities must intervene before the damage becomes irreversible,” Suhail added.
Responding to the allegations, District Mineral Officer Ghulam Nabi Pintoo said the department has remained committed to curbing illegal mining despite facing an acute shortage of staff and manpower.
“Complaints regarding illegal mining in the area are frequently received, and on most occasions we have successfully conducted enforcement actions, resulting in the seizure of vehicles involved in such unlawful activities,” he said.
Pintoo said that more than 20 vehicles, including JCBs, tippers and tractor-trolleys, have been seized during various enforcement drives. However, he noted that the modus operandi of offenders has changed in recent times.
“These individuals generally remain inactive while officials of the Mining Department and Police are conducting inspections. However, shortly after the enforcement teams leave, particularly during late-night hours, they resume their illegal activities,” he said.
The officer added that the department has sought the cooperation of local residents, particularly members of the Awkaaf Committee, to help identify those involved in illegal mining.
“We are hopeful that their support will prove instrumental in tracing the culprits, enabling us to take appropriate action against them and impose penalties strictly in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations,” Pintoo said.
The residents have appealed to the district administration and concerned departments to take serious note of the issue, stop illegal mining operations and protect the playground, which they described as the only recreational space available to local youth.
He also said that Four FIRs have been registered under the MMDR Act against habitual offenders in the district.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, while speaking with the Kashmir Despatch said that the complaints about illegal mining and damage to the sports ground are being addressed through regular enforcement drives.
She said over 20 vehicles have been seized and four FIRs registered, while local Awkaaf members have been engaged to help identify offenders and curb illegal mining activities.
