Srinagar, Sept 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced a complete ban on illegal river mining across Jammu and Kashmir, directing the administration to enforce the order strictly to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister expressed serious concern over rampant and unregulated extraction of sand, boulders, and gravel from riverbeds, which has caused large-scale ecological imbalance and worsened the impact of natural disasters. He said that illegal mining has not only damaged fragile river ecosystems but also endangered lives and infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
“Illegal mining will not be tolerated. Strict enforcement and monitoring mechanisms will be put in place, and violators will face stern action under law,” Omar said, while instructing Deputy Commissioners and district police to take immediate steps to curb the practice.
In the same meeting, the Chief Minister also addressed the issue of pending compensation and rehabilitation cases of 2014 flood victims. He assured that all such cases will be resolved during the upcoming Assembly session, emphasizing that justice to the flood-affected families remains the government’s top priority.
“We are committed to ensuring that no victim of the 2014 floods is left without due compensation and rehabilitation. The matter will be placed before the Assembly and addressed on priority,” he added.
The announcements come at a time when J&K is facing fresh challenges of floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains.
