MANSEHRA: The district administration has banned the excavation and lifting of gravel, sand and minerals from the Kunhar River, which originates from the snowy water of Kaghan valley and falls into the Jhelum River in Muzaffarabad.

The ban violators will taken to justice under the relevant laws, said a notification issued by deputy commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan here on Saturday.

According to the notification, it was brought to the notice of the deputy commissioner that the illegal excavation and lifting of minerals, sand and gravel is being carried out in the district and immediate actions are required against the activity for causing losses to the environment and exchequer.

The administration issued another order extending ban on hill and mountain cutting and blasting alongside roads in Mansehra city and other parts of the district to preserve ecology.

The order issued by the deputy commissioner said the ban was imposed following a meeting of the district administration with the environmental protection agency, mines and mineral department, and other relevant departments.

Admin warns ban violators of action

GARBAGE REMOVED: The administration of Baffa-Pakhal tehsil has removed garbage heaps from the city and its suburbs during the ongoing 10-day cleanliness drive launched on the government’s orders.

“We have lifted garbage dumps from Baffa city and its outskirts during the first five days of the cleanliness campaign,” Mazhar Muzaffar Awan of the tehsil municipal administration told reporters on Saturday.

He said most people threw garbage outside their houses and in the streets.

The official said for the first time, over 230 tonnes of garbage was removed and shifted to dumping grounds established by the TMA away from population.

“We have not only removed garbage heaps from across Baffa area and its suburbs but also disinfected the entire city with anti-germs and mosquito spray,” he said.

Mr Awan, who was tasked with carrying out the cleanliness task, said awareness sessions with locals were also being held to prevent such garbage dumps.

“As this ongoing cleanliness campaign wraps up, we will also launch the beautification campaign,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2021