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| Karewas’ bulldozed, wetlands filled, authorities silent | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, June 5: As Illegal excavation of soil from Karewa land around Pampore Chandhara is not at all coming to halt, the mitti mafia has now filled up a local wetland paving a way for trucks to smuggle the excavated soil from the area.
Sources said that an irrigation canal has also been filled up and inspite of the matter being taken up before National Green Tribunal (NGT) New Delhi , neither the district administration , nor the wildlife protection department are taking any action to stop this illegal encroachment of the famous water-body that is thronged by large number of migratory birds in winter months.
Details available with Early Times reveal that Police and Revenue department officials are now working in a very close coordination across the twin districts of Budgam and Pulwama where lot of Karewa land is being openly bulldozed and authorities are unable to stop this illegal practice.
Reliable sources say that Karewa land around Chandhara area across NH 44 in Pampore is being excavated and the soil is being smuggled illegally through a wetland (Kreechu Chandhara) where from the mitti mafia has constructed an illegal road with the help of local administration.
It is said that this kuccha road has been set up by encroaching upon the wetland and an irrigation canal near Gallander area.
There are reports that wetland is also being filled up by the mafia who are controlled by top land brokers of Kashmir valley as there are plans to create a housing colony in the area
As reported already mitti mafia in Budgam after several news reports filed by Early Times last year had come under pressure of District Administration Budgam. The said mafia in Chadoora , Khanda , Newa and other areas bordering Pulwama have resumed their illegal soil excavation work from last 1 year again.
In at least one dozen villages of Budgam illegal solid excavation is taking place. The JCBs are put into service and they are bulldozing Karewas at several locations in Budgam . Few years back Deputy Commissioner Budgam had been directed to stop illegal excavation of soil from Karewas of the district after a delegation of locals had met with the then Minister of State for Environment & Forests in Jammu.
Similarly in Newa , Parigam and Pampore area of Pulwama the illegal soil excavation is taking place from last several years and nobody is stopping this illegal trade. |
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