Srinagar, June 3 — A joint inspection panel has recommended an immediate halt to mining activities along a 10-kilometre stretch of Sukhnag Nallah in Budgam, telling the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that large-scale extraction of riverbed material has severely altered the water body's natural course, threatened groundwater reserves and caused substantial losses to local trout farming.
The recommendations follow a field inspection conducted in March, the findings of which were submitted to the NGT through the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC).
According to the report, more than 15 lakh tonnes of riverbed material are estimated to have been extracted from the affected stretch, with investigators finding extensive excavation within the river channel and adjoining areas. The panel said the scale of mining had "drastically altered the natural morphology of Sukhnag Nallah" and adversely impacted underlying aquifer systems.
"The absence of scientific assessment, coupled with violations of prescribed environmental safeguards, pointed towards serious institutional and regulatory failures," the committee observed, warning that the damage could have long-term consequences for the river ecosystem, groundwater resources and fisheries.
The inspection focused on areas upstream of Sail Bridge, where officials documented widespread excavation and major changes to the riverbed. Two large pits were identified within the river channel. One measured nearly 799 square metres with an average depth of 2.84 metres, while another covered about 620 square metres and extended to an average depth of 4.42 metres.
The committee termed the deeper excavation "a matter of grave concern", noting that mining had penetrated below the active riverbed into the alluvial aquifer zone, raising the risk of permanent hydrogeological damage.
The report also pointed to several procedural and regulatory violations. It stated that safeguards prescribed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) through Office Memorandums issued in August 2022, July 2023 and August 2023 were not adequately followed while granting permissions and issuing extraction challans.
Project proponents, the panel noted, also failed to inform the JKPCC at least 14 days before the commencement of mining operations, a mandatory requirement under environmental regulations.
Another major concern raised by the committee was the absence of replenishment studies in Sukhnag Nallah between 2020 and 2024. Such studies are essential for determining sustainable extraction levels and preventing over-mining. Despite the lack of scientific assessment, permissions were reportedly granted for the extraction of nearly five lakh metric tonnes of material without preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) or conducting modelling under the National Framework for Sediment Management.
Data provided by the District Mineral Officer showed that permissions were issued for the extraction of around 6,32,940 tonnes of riverbed material between 2020 and 2024. Of this, about 4,85,794 tonnes, or nearly 77 per cent, were allotted to M/s NKC Projects.
The committee also examined the impact of mining on trout farming in the area. During an inspection of a trout farm owned by Peerzada Rayees, officials recorded allegations that illegal riverbed extraction had disrupted and diverted water supply to the facility during night hours.
The assessment found that nearly 2,000 trout fish were lost, amounting to an estimated biomass loss of 600 kilograms. The financial loss was assessed at around ₹13 lakh based on a market rate of ₹500 per kilogram.
In light of its findings, the panel recommended an immediate suspension of mining operations within a five-kilometre stretch upstream and downstream of Sail Bridge up to Beerwah town, an area designated as a trout zone.
It also called for strict implementation of the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, installation of CCTV cameras and surveillance systems at vulnerable sites, restoration of damaged riverbeds, filling of deep excavation pits, rehabilitation of aquatic habitats, restocking of trout populations and regular monitoring through a dedicated enforcement task force.