SRINAGAR: Residents have alleged unauthorised extraction of construction material near an under-construction bridge over Nallah Sonman in the Homshali Bugh area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Locals said that the bridge is being constructed to improve connectivity between the Tarigam and Homshali Bugh areas. However, they alleged that sand, gravel (bajri) and boulders are being extracted from the same nallah alongside the construction site.
They claimed that if the extraction is being carried out without the requisite permission from the competent authorities, it could constitute a violation of the applicable mining laws and may also have adverse environmental consequences.
The residents urged the concerned departments to depute officers to inspect the site, verify whether the extraction is being undertaken legally and initiate appropriate action if any violations are found.
They also stressed the need for strict monitoring of construction-related activities to ensure that development works are carried out in accordance with environmental and mining regulations. [KNT]
