Hajin (Sonawari), Jan 16: Chairman, Town Welfare Committee Hajin, Haji Mushtaq Ahmad Parray told Greater Kashmir that ‘excessive’ sand extraction has taken a dangerous proportion in the town and sought government action to put a check on it. “The immediate impact of excessive sand extraction in the town is frequent traffic jams. In order to put an end to it in the first place, a bypass mechanism has to be put into place. Hajin is a big town and it needs a well-planned bypass,” he said.
 The chairman said the sand extraction besides affecting the lives of people has put into danger Hajin bridge that connects the town with Bandipora and Ganderbal. “The workers are now digging sand right under the bridge. The practice if continues might weaken the base of the bridge in the coming years,” he said.
 Haji Mushtaq said the Jehlum Bund is eroding at a fast speed. “The river Bund is undergoing visible negative changes. The soil erosion is taking place at a dangerous pace,” he said.
 Asked whether there was any scientific data revealing the soil erosion, he said it doesn’t need any evidence. “The point is if government is doing nothing to even keep a check on sand extraction, gathering ‘scientific data’ is a farfetched dream. We appeal the government to constitute an expert committee to ascertain the facts about the erosion of Bund,” he said.
 Traders Federation of the town also expressed concern over the erosion of the Jhelum Bund and appealed the Flood and Control Department to take immediate steps to save the Bund from further erosion.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 IST