Date | Aug 19, 2015: Taking a strong note of the illegal sand extraction in areas like Pampore, Kakapora, Zoonipora Nowgam and Pantha Chowk, the administration in Jammu and Kashmir has directed several respective departments to take action against the miscreants involved in sand mining.

Stressing upon the observation that illegal mining of sand from Jhelum has been detrimental to its embankments, Divisional Commissioner Asgar Samoon, on Wednesday, reminded concerned officials of last year’s devastating floods and apprehension of future threats. In a meeting held in this regard, Samoon directed line departments and stakeholder to take immediate measures to prevent such malpractices.

"Illegal extraction of sand from River Jhelum is being done by some miscreants through mechanical boats particularly in these areas has endangered the embankments of River Jhelum," an official of Irrigation & Flood Control department stated.

The Div Com directed the Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Pulwama to take steps for deployment of Magistrates for prevention of illegal extraction of sand at these places in coordination with respective Police authorities. "FIRs against illegal sand extractors should be lodged and their mechanical boats should be seized so that such illegal activities will be prevented to safeguard the embankments of River Jhelum," the Div Com said.

According to official spokesperson, the Div Com further impressed upon all the line departments to take immediate preventive measures for such illegal practices so as to protect the soil erosion, bunds and embankments of River Jhelum in future.

(Source: http://www.iamin.in/)