Pulwama, Dec 30 :(CNS)Illegal mining in the historic and resource-rich Tral region of Pulwama district has assumed alarming proportions, causing widespread environmental destruction and threatening the livelihood of thousands. Spread across 102 villages, the region is witnessing a rapid drying up of natural streams, turning once-thriving water bodies into scenes of devastation.

According to local sources, several key streams—including Satoora, Rathsun, Watal Ara and Chandri Nallah—have been badly damaged due to unchecked excavation and large-scale soil extraction. Residents say rampant illegal mining has crippled the natural flow of water, leaving vast stretches dry and ecologically unstable.

Eyewitnesses allege that heavy machinery is being used round the clock inside natural watercourses, leading to massive soil erosion and irreversible damage to the fragile ecosystem. Locals warn that the altered streambeds and weakened embankments have significantly increased the risk of flash floods, posing a serious threat to nearby habitations.

The impact has been devastating for public infrastructure as well. Water supply schemes worth crores of rupees have been destroyed, while irrigation schemes—vital for the agrarian economy of the region—stand on the verge of collapse. Farmers report acute water scarcity, crop losses and a direct blow to their livelihoods, deepening economic distress in the area.

Expressing grave concern over the administration’s inaction, residents have demanded immediate intervention from the District Development Commissioner, Pulwama. They warn that failure to act promptly could turn the crisis into a humanitarian and environmental disaster with long-term consequences for future generations.

The local population has called for strict legal action against those involved in illegal mining, immediate seizure of heavy machinery, and urgent restoration of damaged water and irrigation infrastructure. The unfolding situation in Tral once again underscores the urgent need for decisive and effective measures to protect natural resources, failing which the environmental identity and historical character of the region could be permanently lost.(CNS)

Anantnag:In a significant crackdown on the drug menace, Anantnag Police have attached immovable properties worth crores belonging to notorious drug peddlers in the jurisdiction of Police Station Bijbehara.

Acting under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, Police Station Bijbehara, attached a double-storied residential house and approximately 10 kanals of apple orchard land belonging to Sajad Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat resident of Waghama Bijbehara. These properties were established as proceeds acquired through illicit drug trafficking activities.

In another action, a double-storied residential house belonging to Bashir Ahmad Bhat son of Gull Mohammad Bhat also a resident of Waghama Bijbehara was attached after due legal process, as it was found to be linked with drug peddling activities.

The attachment of these properties is part of Anantnag Police’s sustained efforts to dismantle the financial networks of drug traffickers and to send a strong message that crime does not pay. Such actions aim to deter individuals from indulging in narcotics-related activities and to safeguard the youth and society from the harmful effects of drugs.

Anantnag Police reiterate their commitment to continue stringent action against drug trafficking and appeal to the general public to cooperate and share information related to narcotics to help build a drug-free society.

Srinagar, Dec 25, KDC: Recently appointed Prosecuting Officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Advocate Aadil Nabi, a resident of Bijbehara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, met with a serious road accident today near Banihal.

Sources told Kashmir Dot Com that Aadil was injured in the accident while he was returning home from Delhi.

He was immediately shifted to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. His condition is stated to be critical, sources said.

Aadil, a well-known legal practitioner from Bijbehara, was recently appointed as a Prosecuting Officer in the CBI, a major professional milestone in his legal career.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the accident. (KDC)

Poonch, Dec 25, KNT: Six daily-wage labourers from Surankote in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir were critically injured in a devastating gas cylinder blast at their rented accommodation in Punjab, triggering an urgent appeal for financial and medical assistance for the affected families.

The victims, all inhabitants of Sanglani village in Surankote tehsil, had migrated to Punjab in search of livelihood to support their families. The incident occurred at their rented room in Jakhwali Pind while the labourers were preparing a meal, when a gas cylinder suddenly exploded, leaving all six with severe burn and blast injuries.

The injured have been identified as Abdul Wahid, Rafiq Ahmed, Farzhad Ahmed, Ikhtiaz Ahmed, Abdul Rashid and Nazakat Hussain. They were rushed to Rajendra Hospital in Patiala, where they are currently undergoing intensive treatment. Hospital sources said their condition remains critical and a matter of grave concern.

Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, State President of the Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Youth Welfare Conference, while talking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, highlighted the dire socio-economic condition of the injured labourers and their families.

He said the mishap occurred a couple of days ago and was not reported anywhere. “All six belong to impoverished backgrounds and were the sole breadwinners of their households,” he said, adding that the families have no stable source of income or savings and are now struggling to cope with the rising costs of specialised medical treatment and prolonged care.

JKGBYWC issued an urgent appeal to the government to provide immediate financial relief, medical assistance and logistical support to the injured labourers and their families. They also sought intervention to ensure proper treatment without delay. [KNT]

JAMMU, DECEMBER 24: The Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha has extended his heartiest greetings to the people on the joyous occasion of Christmas.

In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said, “On the joyous occasion of Christmas, I convey my warm greetings to the people. I hope that this occasion of festivity ushers in love and harmony amongst the people.

The festival, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, serves as a reminder to embrace Lord Christ’s teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness in our daily lives. This auspicious occasion inspires us to renew our commitment towards the welfare of each other for a prosperous future for all.

May the spirit of Christmas encourage us to help those in need and bring peace, prosperity and happiness to all”.

Srinagar, Dec 24, KNT: A residential house was gutted in an early morning fire incident at Kalashpora in Srinaga.

After the blaze, the fire tenders rushed to the spot, with additional support due to congestion in the area.

Officials said a triple-storey residential-cum-commercial building was involved, but timely action confined the fire to the same structure, preventing its spread to nearby buildings. No casualties were reported.

The operation was supervised by senior Fire and Emergency Services officials. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and investigations have been initiated. [KNT]

Srinagar, Dec 24, KNT: Security forces have recovered balloons carrying Pakistani symbols from two separate locations in North Kashmir, close to the Line of Control, prompting heightened vigilance in the border districts of Baramulla and Kupwara.

Officials said a Pakistani flag attached to around ten balloons was sighted landing near Sarna Top in the Khadinayar area of Baramulla district. The object was noticed by a patrolling party of the Army’s 46 Rashtriya Rifles during routine area domination. The balloons and the flag were immediately seized and taken into custody for further examination.

In a second incident, a balloon bearing the inscription of Pakistan International Airlines was found atop a tree in an orchard at Naugam in Handwara area of Kupwara district, also located close to the LoC. The balloon was spotted by locals, who informed the security forces. Army personnel subsequently reached the spot and retrieved the object.

Officials said both incidents are being viewed seriously given their proximity to the LoC. Preliminary assessments suggest the balloons may have drifted across due to wind conditions, but all possibilities are being examined.

Security agencies are analysing the seized material to rule out any ulterior motive or security threat.

The recoveries come amid continued efforts by security forces to maintain strict surveillance along the border areas of North Kashmir, where such objects are occasionally reported, often causing concern among inhabitants due to past instances of cross-border attempts to create disturbance or spread propaganda.

Authorities have urged locals in border areas to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious objects to the nearest security or police unit, while cautioning against touching or approaching unidentified items. [KNT]