Baramulla, Sep 26 (KNO): Acting on Supreme Court (SC) directions to safeguard protected forests, the District Magistrate Baramulla ordered the immediate closure of all gypsum mining operations within one kilometre radius of the Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary.
In an order issued, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the DM cited the apex court’s February 27, 2024 judgment in Civil Appeal Nos. 255–257 of 2023, which prohibits mining activities inside Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZ) and within a radius of one kilometre from any protected forest.
The order followed a report from the Wildlife Warden North Kashmir Division, Sopore, confirming that 14 gypsum mines in Uri and Boniyar subdivisions fall inside the prohibited zone.
The affected units include M/s Syed Mohammad Tahir, Jhelum Valley Gypsum, Baba Chemicals, Gee Emm Industries, Kohinoor Gypsum, Tower Chemicals, Snow White Gypsum, Kashmir Mineral Mills, Noor Mohammad Trumboo, Syed Mohammad Irshad, Khyber Industries, New Sigma Industries, Peer Panchal Industries and Raz Chemicals.
Officials including the Senior Superintendent of Police, SDM Uri, Wildlife Warden Sopore and mineral authorities have been directed to ensure immediate enforcement of the closure order and prevent any further mining in violation of the Supreme Court mandate—(KNO)