Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 28: Two youths died after being buried alive under a mound of sand during extraction in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night in the Dachanpora area of Rafiabad when a mound of sand caved in during extraction, burying both youths on the spot.
Their bodies remained buried throughout the night and were recovered on Wednesday morning following strenuous efforts by local residents. Police were informed about the incident, after which a team reached the spot and assisted in recovering the bodies, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Javid Ahmad Mir, 28, and Mohammad Anees Malik, 29, both residents of Dachanpora.
The tragedy cast a pall of gloom over the village as news of the deaths spread.
Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Further details were awaited.
Sand extraction is an important economic activity supporting the construction industry in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the sector faces serious challenges, including illegal mining, environmental damage and hazardous working conditions.
The extraction of minor minerals, including riverbed material such as sand, silt, bajri and boulders, is governed by the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.
Legal extraction requires an approved mining plan, environmental clearance and consent to operate from the competent authorities.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also taken action against unauthorised and unregulated riverbed mining, including imposing fines in past cases involving violations along the Doodh Ganga.
Sand extraction, often carried out manually from boats or riverbanks, poses serious safety risks, including drowning and the collapse of sand mounds.
Earlier this month, a 17-year-old boy died after sustaining severe head injuries during sand extraction in Singpora in the Pattan area of Baramulla district.
Repeated incidents of workers being trapped under collapsing sand and soil mounds have highlighted the dangers associated with such activities.