UDHAMPUR, 15 June (H.S.): Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA from Udhampur East, has expressed serious concern over the ongoing illegal mining operations that are ravaging the natural and infrastructural landscape of Udhampur.
Terming it as an “unholy alliance between a brazen mining cartel and complicit officials in the Mining Department and local administration, breeding under political patronage, Pathania said that Udhampur’s ecological fabric and critical public infrastructure are being torn apart in broad daylight while the authorities choose to remain blindfolded.
In an emotionally charged public interaction program held at the BJP headquarters, Battal Balian, here today, the MLA expressed deep anguish over how natural resources-particularly the riverbeds of Udhampur-are being systematically plundered without oversight, thereby threatening not only the environment but also the daily lives and livelihoods of thousands.
Pathania highlighted that large-scale unregulated mining is underway across various nallahs and river stretches of Udhampur, with catastrophic consequences. He said these actions have compromised the structural integrity of major bridges like Salmey, Birma, and Kah More.
Citing a recent and alarming communication from the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE), Pathania pointed to official acknowledgment of this environmental disaster. The letter clearly mentions that continuous mineral extraction from the Tawi River-from Salmey to Ritti Bridge-has caused unprecedented turbidity in raw water and rendered the river nearly devoid of its natural self-purification capacity, he said, adding that critical water supply schemes catering to towns and villages like Jaganoo, Rathian, Thill, Satani, Roun, Kawa, and Pipple are under threat.
MLA was particularly scathing in his indictment of the inaction of concerned authorities. “Despite repeated representations, public outcry, and even discussions raised on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, the administration has failed to initiate any meaningful action. Videos and live streams by distressed locals have documented the scale of destruction, yet enforcement remains conspicuously absent,” he said.
He also raised questions about the legality and accountability of various stone crushers and mining units operating in the area. He demanded full disclosure of permits granted, the terms therein, and punitive action against violators.
Later in the day, Pathania inaugurated the long-awaited Kabir Mandir Road at Baryal, falling under Panchayat Kashirah.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
