A meeting regarding unauthorized extraction of sand by mechanical boats from River Jhelum was convened under the Chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon here today.The meeting was attended by the Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Mr Javaid Mujtaba Geelani, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, Director Industries & Commerce Kashmir, Mr. Nazim Khan, Director Geology & Mining, Chief Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control Kashmir, Mr. Javaid Jaffar, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar, Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Pulwama, Executive Engineer Flood Control Division Kakapora, Executive Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control Division Srinagar and officers of Geology and Mining.During the deliberation of meeting, it was pointed out by Irrigation & Flood Control department that illegal extraction of sand from River Jhelum is done by some miscreants through mechanical boats particularly in the areas like Pampore, Kakapora, Zoonipora Nowgam and Pantha Chowk which has endangered the embankments of River Jhelum.
In view of last year’s devastating floods and apprehension of future threats, the Div Com directed the line departments and stakeholder to take immediate measures to prevent such malpractices henceforth.The Div Com directed the Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Pulwama to take steps for deployment of Magistrates for prevention of illegal extraction of sand at these places in coordination with respective Police authorities and to lodge FIR against illegal sand extractors and to seize their mechanical boats so that such illegal activities will be prevented to safeguard the embankments of River Jhelum.The Div Com impressed upon all the line departments to take immediate preventive measures for such illegal practices so as to protect the soil erosion, bunds and embankments of River Jhelum in future.