In a significant demonstration on Friday, a large group of women from Gangerhama in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district took to the streets to protest against the ban on the extraction of sand and gravel from Nallah Sindh.
The protesters emphasized that thousands of families in the area rely on this activity for their livelihoods. One woman expressed the desperation felt by many, stating, “This is our only source of income. We raise our children through this work, and now the administration has imposed a ban. If we can’t work, how will we survive? We face starvation because this is all we have.”
The protesters indicated their willingness to comply with regulations, stating they are ready to pay for the rights to work in Nallah Sindh, but they seek permission to continue their livelihoods.
The demonstration resulted in significant traffic disruptions as residents demanded immediate action from the Ganderbal district administration. They urged officials to reconsider the ban, highlighting the critical role of Nallah Sindh in sustaining their families and the local economy.