Water Meant for Households Diverted for Irrigation in Beerwah Area, Boosting Motors, Irrigation Pipes Seized
Beerwah, June 2, KNT: A government crackdown on illegal water extraction in the Rathsun area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam has exposed the extent of unauthorized lifting and diversion of drinking water, raising fresh questions about water management and enforcement in areas where locals frequently complain of inadequate supply.
During a special inspection drive, officials detected several direct boosting motors allegedly being used to draw water from public supply lines, a practice that often reduces pressure and affects distribution to downstream consumers.
The inspection also uncovered multiple instances where potable water was allegedly being diverted for irrigation purposes despite recurring concerns over drinking water availability.
Authorities seized several boosting motors and removed unauthorized plastic pipelines that had reportedly been connected to irrigation networks.
The action comes amid growing public concern over water scarcity in various localities, with residents often complaining of irregular supply despite paying water charges and other utility-related fees.
Officials told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the misuse of treated drinking water for irrigation and other non-domestic purposes adversely affects equitable distribution and places additional stress on an already strained supply system.
The department warned that strict action would continue against individuals found involved in illegal lifting, diversion or theft of drinking water. [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)
