Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Altaf Bukhari has called for strict enforcement of laws to curb illegal mining, which he says is causing irreparable damage to water bodies across the region.
Reacting to the recent seizure of 11 earthmovers (JCBs) by the police and officials from the Geology and Mining Department at Vishow Nallah in Kulgam, Bukhari said such actions are welcome but insufficient to tackle the rampant illegal mining taking place in various areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Unchecked mining is wreaking havoc on our natural resources.
There must be zero tolerance for this destructive practice,” he stated, adding that playing “hide-and-seek games” in the name of preventing illegal mining will only worsen the situation.
Bukhari stressed the need to strictly implement existing laws to stop illegal mining and ensure violators face severe penalties. “We already have laws to address this issue. The authorities must enforce them effectively before it’s too late,” he said. (KNS)
