A troubling development has emerged in Jetty Baramulla as an illicit sand mining group, commonly referred to as the “sand mafia,” has set its sights on a recently established sand storage depot. Under the cover of darkness, these lawbreakers are utilizing heavy machinery, specifically JCB excavators, to illegally extract sand from the depot.
The irrigation and flood control department issued a tender, but no contractors are willing to participate. This has left the officials with limited resources to combat the relentless efforts of the sand mafia.
An official said, “We reported the thieves to the police, but they keep coming back and even cut down trees and roads to get in.”
Amid these worries, concerned residents have requested to higher authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, urging immediate action to curb the criminal activity.