Despite a ban by the Jammu and Kashmir high court ban, mafia in the areas of Baramulla district is excavated soil illegally.According to GNS, the Mafia excavates soil in Pattan and Palhallan areas of the district in broad day light without any official check.Witnesses told GNS that several tractors and tippers on Tuesday were excavating soil illegal at these places. Interestingly at Pattan, where the mafia was excavating soil, the Tehsildar’s office lies at a stone throws distance. “Several trucks were loaded and while some were in queue,” witnesses said.When asked, a man working with the mafia told GNS that he has permission of Tehsildar while another one said the court has granted him permission to excavate the soil.
However, Tehsildar Pattan, denied to have issued permission to anyone. “It is illegal to excavate soil. I have not given permission to anyone,” Kalam-ud-Din told GNS.He admitted that soil is being excavated illegally in parts of Pattan and Palhallan. “We are keeping check but these Mafias come at night,” he said, expressing helplessness.“In today’s case we have registered an FIR against these people. I myself went to Palhallan,” he said, adding: “We have sought help of police in dealing with these mafias.”Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Farooq Lone told GNS that strict action would be taken against the offenders. (GNS)