Ajay Sharma
Jammu Tawi, January 11: Despite repeated claims by the government of having curbed illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir, ground realities in Reasi district paint a starkly different picture, with the area fast emerging as a safe haven for rampant and unchecked extraction, allegedly under the watch of a silent administration.
Even when the government claims to have eradicated illegal mining, district Reasi is reportedly becoming a safe haven for illegal mining practices, whereas the concerned authorities have allegedly been in deep slumber.
According to sources, the district has emerged as a hotspot for unchecked illegal mining, with rivers and open blocks being systematically looted by tractors, trolleys, and dumpers.
“The administration, including key officials like the District Mineral Officer (DMO) and Deputy Commissioner (DC), have turned a blind eye, allowing the extraction to continue unabated despite having claimed of repeated crackdowns and surveillance measures,” said sources, adding that mining operations persist in closed blocks where extraction is explicitly banned and no material like sand is available.
“How are receipts for sand being issued from these blocked sites?” questioned sources, pointing to a system rife with manipulation.
In open blocks, the absence of on-site contractors raises serious questions about transparency, as receipts are reportedly sourced from distant locations.
“Crusher owners are issuing these documents, enabling midnight loadings in exchange for receipts from shuttered areas,” said sources.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity said, “Why are no contractors stationed in open blocks? This is a problem for mining officers—if receipts are issued and vehicles loaded from closed blocks, it is their responsibility.”
The officer added that officials appear complicit, allowing the mining mafia to thrive.
At the Nambla block in Reasi, vehicles are allegedly being loaded despite official closure orders.
“Mining officers are manipulating things,” sources said, asserting that CCTV cameras installed across key sites are mere “formalities” and have failed to deter illegal operations.
A recent incident saw vehicles seized for loading material from a closed block, but no further action was reportedly taken.
If sources are to be believed, the DMO is involved in selective enforcement, visiting only areas of “personal interest” while ignoring widespread violations elsewhere.
Sources further alleged that top officials, including the DMO, DC Reasi, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), are fully aware of the situation but continue to maintain silence.
“If they act decisively, the government could earn crores in revenue daily, and illegal mining would be eradicated,” sources maintained, adding that instead, the activity continues unabated, depleting rivers and evading taxes.
Meanwhile, locals have called for higher-level intervention, appealing to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Inspector General (IG), Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner, and Chief Secretary to intervene and halt the growing “menace.”
When approached by The Northlines for comment, the DMO reportedly dodged queries.
