Illegal Mining in Tral Hits Irrigation, Farmers Flag Water Shortage in Multiple Villages
Pulwama, April 27, KNT: Allegations of illegal mining in several areas of Tral in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have raised concern among farmers, who say the activity is affecting irrigation and agricultural water supply.
Locals from Gulab Bagh (Wani Bout), Nowdal, Lalgam, Chandrigam, Auligund and adjoining villages said extraction of sand and minerals from riverbeds and nearby areas has intensified in recent weeks.
They alleged that the unchecked mining has altered water flow, reducing availability of irrigation water for agricultural fields at a time when farming activity is underway.
“The water level has dropped and channels are getting affected. Our fields are suffering,” a local farmer said.
Villagers expressed concern over what they described as lack of effective action from the mining department, alleging that enforcement has not kept pace with the ongoing activity.
They said despite repeated complaints, illegal extraction continues in several locations, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
Read: Heavy machinery confiscated as Pulwama steps up enforcement against illegal mining
The farmers, however, said police teams are carrying out action against illegal mining, including checks on vehicles and movement of extracted material but the mining department is inactive.
They maintained that stricter and sustained enforcement is needed to prevent environmental damage and safeguard agricultural resources.
They have urged authorities to intervene and ensure regulation of mining activities to protect irrigation systems and livelihoods dependent on farming. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
