Thathri (Doda), November 2: Allegations of unauthorised mining in Thathri subdivision of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district have raised questions over the use of construction permissions and the monitoring of activities involving public resources, with social activist and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raja Shakeel demanding an impartial investigation into the matter.
In a statement, Shakeel alleged that illegal mining was continuing unchecked under the guise of road construction and questioned whether road-widening activities were being undertaken at locations primarily because of the availability of boulders for extraction.
According to information available with The Chenab Times, the alleged extraction of boulders is taking place at the same location where permission has reportedly been granted for the construction of a Dhaba-cum-Yatri Shed. The circumstances have prompted questions over whether the construction permission is being used as a cover for mining activities.
It is alleged that the extraction of boulders is being carried out in the name of the proposed Dhaba-cum-Yatri Shed construction. However, the nature and extent of the alleged extraction, the precise scope of the permission granted and whether the activities are in accordance with applicable mining and construction regulations remain to be independently established.
The allegations have brought the focus on the distinction between authorised construction work and commercial extraction of minor minerals. While construction projects may involve excavation and the removal of earth or rocks, such activities do not automatically authorise the extraction or commercial use of minerals beyond the scope of applicable permissions.
Shakeel also questioned the role of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), alleging that the activities were taking place despite the agency’s monitoring responsibilities.
He said the apparent overlap between road-widening work and locations containing extractable boulders warranted scrutiny, and questioned whether infrastructure development was being used to facilitate the exploitation of natural resources.
“At times, it appears that those responsible for regulation are acting more like contractors than watchdogs,” Shakeel said, raising concerns over the effectiveness of monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
He questioned whether the activities represented genuine infrastructure development or the exploitation of public resources and called for those responsible to be identified.
Seeking government intervention, Shakeel demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged mining, identification of individuals and agencies involved, and strict accountability wherever violations are established.
The allegations also raise broader questions about the regulatory oversight of excavation and mineral extraction in the Chenab Valley, particularly in areas where road infrastructure projects and other construction activities involve the removal of substantial quantities of earth and rock.
The matter warrants examination by the concerned authorities, including verification of the permission issued for the Dhaba-cum-Yatri Shed, the approved construction plan, the actual activities being undertaken at the site and whether any separate authorisation was obtained for the extraction, transportation or disposal of boulders.
A clear assessment of the role and responsibilities of the concerned departments and project authorities would also be necessary to establish whether the activities fall within the scope of permitted construction work or constitute violations of applicable regulations.
There was no official response from NHIDCL or the concerned authorities available at the time of publication. Their response, along with details of the relevant permissions and regulatory clearances, would be necessary to establish the facts.
For residents of Thathri, the central question is not merely whether a construction project is under way, but whether permissions granted for public infrastructure or other development activities are being used for purposes beyond those for which they were issued.
The Chenab Times News Desk