Karewas, Farmland Face Destruction as Illegal Mining Spreads in South Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Illegal mining and large-scale soil cutting continue unabated across several villages of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, raising serious concerns over environmental destruction and loss of agricultural land.

Locals from Nowdal, Dadsara, Lalgam, Auligund, Chandrigam and Baygund in Tral area alleged that unregulated mineral extraction and soil removal have been taking place openly, often using heavy machinery. In Auligund, protective bunds have also been damaged, exposing nearby fields to erosion and water flow risks.

Extensive soil cutting has also emerged from Gogjibal Ladhoo and Wajbath in Pampore, where karewa land is being steadily disfigured and carved out. People from the area said fertile plateau land is being flattened and removed in large volumes, threatening long-term agricultural viability.

Inhabitants said that such operations have altered the natural terrain and drainage systems, increasing vulnerability to waterlogging and flash runoff during rains. They said repeated complaints have failed to bring relief, allowing the illegal activity to continue unchecked.

Environmental experts warned that karewas play a vital role in agriculture, groundwater recharge and ecological balance, and once destroyed, they cannot be revived easily. They said continuation of mining and soil cutting will result in irreversible damage to the landscape and serious livelihood losses.

The locals demanded immediate intervention by the district administration, seizure of the heavy machinery involved, and strict legal action against those behind the illegal operations. [KNT]