Kashmir River Drained by Unchecked Mining Operations

In Sail village, Budgam district, the Sukhnag river, once a vital water source, has been severely impacted by alleged riverbed mining. Villagers claim that permits issued by the district administration circumvented environmental clearance, leading to "indiscriminate and unscientific" mineral extraction. A joint panel from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, National Institute of Himalayan Environment, and J&K Pollution Control Committee confirmed significant damage.

The panel's report, submitted to the National Green Tribunal on May 6, 2026, indicated excavation below the active riverbed to depths of 4.42 meters. This activity has allegedly resulted in lowered riverbeds, dried-up springs, and a loss of aquatic life. Imtiyaz Ali, a local farmer, has seen his paddy fields turn barren due to lack of water, forcing him to plant acacia trees for a delayed and uncertain future income.

Environmental activists allege that NKC Projects Pvt. Ltd. undertook the majority of the extraction, with permits issued for approximately 4,37,000 metric tonnes, of which NKC obtained 75%. Despite the mining stopping over a year ago, the ecological damage is deemed irreversible. The Sukhnag river, a critical water source for drinking and irrigation, has suffered extensive harm.

This is not the first instance of NKC Projects facing scrutiny for mining activities; the company previously faced court action over controversial mining in the Shaliganga river. The joint panel recommended a moratorium on all mining until the Sukhnag river system is adequately restored, highlighting the severe hydrogeological damage caused by the extraction.