Illegal mining endangers lives in Abbottabad

Over 250 houses in Kangrora Pand develop cracks due to soapstone mining

ABBOTTABAD:

Widespread destruction has been reported in Kangrora Pand village of Tehsil Lower Tanawal, where illegal soapstone mining and the use of explosives have caused severe structural damage and fear among residents.

Over 250 houses have developed cracks due to continuous blasting, leaving the local population alarmed and anxious.

Residents, led by Village Nazim Younas Khan Tanoli, met with Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram and staged a protest outside the Press Club, demanding an immediate halt to the illegal mining operations. They alleged that a man named Nazir has been conducting soapstone extraction using explosives, endangering lives and damaging homes.

The villagers said that the movement of heavy machinery has destroyed their only access road, while nearby natural springs are drying up, causing a severe shortage of drinking water. Women, they added, are also facing privacy issues due to the disruption of the village's traditional environment.

Local residents accused the mine owner of ignoring repeated complaints and continuing operations with impunity. They urged the district administration and higher authorities to take urgent legal action, stop the illegal mining, and protect the community from further harm.