Expert panel recommends mining ban in Sukhnag trout zone, river restoration measures

Srinagar, Jun 2: An expert committee constituted to examine the environmental impact of mining activities in the Sukhnag stream has recommended an immediate halt to mining operations within a 5-km stretch upstream and downstream of Sail Bridge up to Beerwah town, falling within the designated trout zone, until the river system is adequately restored.

According to the committee’s report, strict implementation 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 (MoEF&CC), is essential to prevent further ecological degradation of the river ecosystem.

The committee has proposed a series of restoration measures, including filling up deep trenches created due to mining activities and re-levelling riverbed sediments to restore the natural river profile and ensure uniform and uninterrupted flow of water.

It has also recommended the installation of real-time monitoring mechanisms, including CCTV surveillance systems at identified mining hotspots, to curb illegal and night-time mining in accordance with the 2020 enforcement guidelines.

The report stressed the need for comprehensive river restoration efforts, including riverbed re-profiling, substrate restoration, and rehabilitation of fish breeding and feeding habitats.

It also recommended restocking of trout and indigenous fish species through coordinated efforts by the Fisheries Department.

The committee also called for riparian plantation and riverbank stabilisation measures in consultation with the Forest Department to reduce erosion and improve the ecological health of the river system.

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

The panel has also confirmed the loss of around 2000 fish belonging to fish farmer Peerzada Rayees, estimating the financial loss at around Rs 3 lakh.

Environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat, who is the petitioner in the case before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), welcomed the findings of the expert committee and sought stringent action against those responsible for permitting mining activities in the ecologically sensitive zone.

“I am satisfied with the report of the expert panel and hope that the NGT will impose massive environmental compensation on the authorities who allowed this loot and plunder. Criminal action should be taken against the officials who granted permission for mining to NKC Projects Pvt Ltd. The area around Sukhnag must be restored and the affected fish farmer, Peerzada Rayees, adequately compensated with compound interest,” Bhat said.