Illegal sand excavation in Sindh

Letter August 06, 2020
If no coercive actions are taken, natural disasters in Sindh will become a common phenomenon

The illegal quarrying of sand in the River Indus has now been established as an indefeasible booming business throughout the province of Sindh. Passing by the Indus river, one, having little prudence, would see scores of excavators and trucks busy in quarrying sand (reti, bajri) from the riverbeds of River Indus and its adjacent tributaries. This constant in-stream mining along with the depletion of sand within streambeds has had an adverse effect on the environment.

The increasing sea level and its outflow into the river is primarily associated with the constant illegal excavation of sand and gravel from rivers. This illegal trade has been so virulent and successful that the Sindh (Prohibition of taking minerals including reti (Sand) and bajri from any land) Act, 2003 is of no value in the eyes of these anti-environmental perpetrators. As per the Act, it declares illegal, without approval from competent authority, quarrying of minerals and stones from the riverbeds.

The construction business has stripped the river of its natural resources and topography. It is expedient for the Sindh Mines and Mineral Department to take responsive and immediate action against the culprits by extending administrative and cognizant powers to the SHOs of all districts for timely actions. If no coercive actions are taken, natural disasters in Sindh will become a common phenomenon, the effects of which could handicap the economy and society.

Muhammad Waqas

Jamshoro

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2020.

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