Jammu | June 12, 2016: Rampant illegal mining on the Manawar-Tawi river in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district has destroyed more than 200 kanals of agricultural land.

Residents of the Jaba Hanjuna area of Nowshera Pain alleged that the stone-crusher owners were continuously excavating sand and stones from the Manawar-Tawi river in their locality, as a result of which 200 kanals of agricultural land had been damaged.

Charanjeet Singh, who has lost more than 10 kanals of agricultural land on the banks of the river at Nowshera Pain, said: “The stone-crusher owners are digging sand and stones from the river for the last four years. We have repeatedly brought this to the notice of the authorities, but no action has been taken so far.”

Locals said about 500 trolleys and tippers were filled with sand and stones from here every day. They said it would prove disastrous for the locals at the time of the floods.

The residents said the areas produced wheat, paddy and some vegetables, but continuous mining in the area was reducing their agricultural land, which had become a cause of worry for them.

Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Shabir Ahmed Khan, said, “Someone sent me pictures on WhatsApp recently. I have sent them to the Sub-District Magistrate to take necessary action under law.”

(Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com)