Lockdown proves ‘goldmine’ for illegal miners in Dachigam

Srinagar, May 25: Amid the ongoing lockdown imposed by the government, the illegal miners have been allegedly taking the benefits by extracting the minerals from Dachigam Nallah in Srinagar.
Locals alleged that some blue-eyed persons have been indulging in extracting minerals from Dachigam Nallah while officials are acting as mute spectators.
They also alleged that officials from Irrigation and Flood Control (I & FC) department and Geology and Mining department are hand-in-glove with these blue-eyed persons and are allowing them to extract boulders from Dachigam Nallah.
The illegal extraction of boulders is going on at multiple places including Sarband Lake and Chandpora Bridge, adding the illegal miners are working till late evening during which heavy machines are being used while tippers are being used to ferry the illegally extracted minerals.
They urged the higher authorities to look into the matter and take strict action against the illegal miners and officials involved.
Apni Party leader and former MLA Sonwar, Muhammad Ashraf Mir said that it s unfortunate that the government is not sincere with the Geology and Mining department.
He said that the government should not have ignored those who are daily earners, adding that such mafias should have been prevented in case the government could have taken all the necessary steps.