MANSEHRA: The Agror and Tanawal areas in Mansehra that previously comprised most of the pre-Partition Amb and Pulrah states have become hotspots for mineral and precious stone smuggling, according to residents.

They told Dawn that the region was rich in granite and white stone reserves, with extensive excavation and blasting activities reported in Pulrah, Tanawal, Perhana, Swan Mera, Lassan Nawab, Shergar, Bandi Shungli, Dera Shanaya, Karori, Nikka Pani, and Darband union councils of the district.

The residents said explosive materials were used for those activities, which resulted in environmental degradation, deforestation, and damage to water streams and roads.

They insisted that in the last few years, large granite rocks fell on several vehicles or roadsides during transportation to Punjab, causing deaths.

People also complain use of chemicals by miners contaminating water

The residents said despite the revenue generated by mine licensing, the government appeared disinterested in addressing illegal mining and rehabilitating damaged infrastructure, leaving Tanawal and Agror without development and basic amenities.

“The people of Amb and Pulrah states weren’t prosperous at the time of their region with Pakistan in 1971–72 but their lives continue to be without socioeconomic improvement,” said Bukhtar Tanoli of Pulrah area.

He complained about a lack of health and educational facilities, roads and other facilities.

Mr Tanoli said the illegal mining destroyed forests and water sources.

“Royalty on mineral and precious stones is neither spent on the welfare of affected communities nor on infrastructure development,” he said.

Religious leader in Pulrah Maulana Qazi Israrul Haq complained that most of areas in the erstwhile Amb and Pulrah states were inundated by the Tarbela Dam but they’re still undeveloped.

He alleged mineral smuggling saying the activity is depriving locals of development.

Mr Haq urged the government to tap natural resources, check illegal mining, and spend money on people’s welfare.

Former tehsil councillor Raja Mohammed Tariq said Tanawal was rich in minerals as well as waterfalls, meadows and beautiful mountains but authorities never used them to generate revenue for the residents’ development.

He said the grant of industry’s status to the mining sector would check mineral and precious stones’ smuggling besides creating jobs for locals.

Umar Khattab Jalwal, a committee working to preserve natural resources in Oghi, complained about water contamination due to the use of chemicals for mining operations.

He said the Jodha Khatta stream that supplied water to the area was polluted, causing health issues for people.

Mr Jalwal said the residents repeatedly requested authorities for corrective measures, but to no avail.

The mineral department claims it is committed to checking illegal excavation and smuggling of granite and other precious stones.

“During a recent crackdown, we fined and arrested dozens of miners for illegally excavating granite and other minerals or violating lease agreements,” deputy director of the department Shahid Khan told Dawn.

He said his department granted mining licences, which were later converted to mining leases.

“We’re taking legal action against the miners polluting streams and forests,” he said, adding that the leases of such people will be cancelled after inquiry.

The official urged residents to inform the department about illegal excavation for an effective crackdown.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2024