Illegal mining of sand and stones from rivers and streams has been going on unabated in Ramban District with people alleging that there is a nexus between some officials and the contractors behind the illegal practice.
Locals alleged that despite blanket ban, mining from streams and River Chenab has been going at various places in the district without any check.
Locals of village Chanderkote, Ramban, Ramsu and of other areas demanded immediate ban on the illegal practice saying that it is damaging the water bodies.
They alleged that illegal extraction of sand and boulders from rivers and rivulets has caused extensive damages to the embankments of water bodies.
The inhabitants of various areas demanded strict action against the erring officials and contractors who are involved in this illegal extraction.