Taliban Plundering of Mines; Forced Displacement and Increased Risk of Cancer and Incurable Diseases in Badakhshan and Takhar.
Forced displacement of local residents due to Taliban plundering of mines has become one of the alarming consequences of unregulated and non-standard gold extraction in the provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar.
The continued over-extraction of gold in these provinces has raised serious environmental and human concerns.
Reports indicate that non-local and exploitative companies are rapidly depleting mineral resources without adhering to technical or environmental standards.
If this trend continues, it could lead to the exhaustion of mineral reserves, widespread environmental destruction, and the sudden exit of these companies.
Environmental experts warn that the extensive use of toxic substances such as mercury and cyanide in gold extraction has severely contaminated the Kokcha and Shewa rivers, turning local drinking water into a dangerous source.
According to these experts, this pollution not only destroys agricultural lands but also significantly increases the risk of cancer and incurable diseases among the local population.
They emphasize that continued exploitation may result in widespread forced displacement, collapse of local livelihoods, and social crises in Badakhshan and Takhar.
They stress that the only way to prevent catastrophic environmental and human consequences is through local awareness, unity, and solidarity, warning that neglect today will lead to heavy and irreparable costs tomorrow.
