People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and District President PDP Baramulla, Mohd Rafique Rather, has expressed serious concerns over the rampant and unchecked illegal sand extraction in Baramulla. He strongly condemned the activities of the sand mafia, which he said is looting the state exchequer while wreaking havoc on the environment.
In a strongly worded statement, Rafique Rather said, it is shocking to see the sand mafia brazenly looting our resources in broad daylight while the administration remains a mute spectator. The people involved in this illegal extraction and sale of sand enjoy the patronage of local politicians, while the concerned departments have deliberately turned a blind eye under the influence of powerful politicians.
This unchecked looting of our natural resources by the sand mafia, with alleged backing from those meant to regulate them, is strangling the Jhelum, endangering livelihoods and putting entire communities at risk of devastating floods, Rather said.
Highlighting this grievous loot of the natural resources, Rather pointed out that the same sand mafia was previously active few years back but was effectively curbed for some time under the LG administration. However, following the political setup, the same individuals have resumed their activities, looting sand worth hundreds of crores and causing a massive loss to the state exchequer besides environmental devastation.
Rather said these sand mafias are operating with complete impunity, enjoying the full backing of local political leaders who have sold out public interest for their vested gains. He accused political elements of using their influence to facilitate this loot, while officials deliberately turn a blind eye, to this important issues of public welfare.
He urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and put an end to this rampant illegal extraction and sale of natural resources which is happening under a political cover. “We cannot remain silent while our precious resources are looted in broad daylight,” he said, calling upon environmental activists, civil society members and the media to raise their voices against this blatant destruction.
Rather called for an urgent need for a high-level time bound investigation into the illegal mining operations and the alleged nexus between local politicians, officials and the sand mafia.The government must immediately put an end to this plunder and
those individuals found involved must be held accountable,” he demanded.
