Srinagar, March 10 -- This issue came into focus when the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Khansahib, Budgam, Mr. Saifudin Bhat, sought the attention of the House and asked the Deputy CM to respond. While highlighting the illegal riverbed mining taking place in the Shali Ganga stream in Basantwodder village of the Khansahib Assembly segment, the MLA stated that heavy machinery had been brought into the stream around ten days ago by the construction company (NKC) without any clearance from the Mining Department, Revenue Department, or Forest authorities. He informed the House that villagers from Basantwodder, Lanilabb, Draggar, and adjoining areas were protesting, yet no action had been taken against the company.

In response ...