Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 2

An expert committee examining the environmental impact of mining activities in the Sukhnag stream has recommended an immediate suspension of mining operations within a 5-km stretch on either side of Sail Bridge up to Beerwah town, citing ecological concerns in the designated trout zone.

In its report, the committee said mining should remain halted until the river system is restored and environmental safeguards are put in place.

The panel called for strict enforcement of the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016, and the Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to prevent further degradation of the river ecosystem.

The report recommended restoration measures including filling deep trenches created by mining, re-levelling riverbed sediments and restoring the river’s natural profile to ensure uninterrupted water flow.

It also proposed real-time monitoring of mining sites through CCTV surveillance and other mechanisms to curb illegal and night-time extraction activities.

The committee said broader river restoration efforts were required, including riverbed re-profiling, substrate restoration and rehabilitation of fish breeding and feeding habitats.

It further recommended restocking trout and indigenous fish species through coordinated efforts by the Fisheries Department and undertaking riparian plantation and riverbank stabilisation works in consultation with the Forest Department to reduce erosion and improve ecological health.

“Regular monitoring by the task force is required to effectively curb illegal mining activities in the area,” the report said.

The panel also confirmed the loss of around 2,000 fish belonging to local fish farmer Peerzada Rayees and estimated the financial damage at about 300,000 rupees.

Environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat, who petitioned the case before the National Green Tribunal, welcomed the findings and called for action against those responsible for permitting mining in the ecologically sensitive area.

Bhat said he hoped the tribunal would impose environmental compensation and direct restoration of the affected river stretch, while ensuring adequate compensation for the fish farmer.

The matter is being examined by the National Green Tribunal, which is expected to consider the committee’s recommendations in further proceedings.