ACB launches crackdown on illegal mining in Udhampur, Reasi

“The operation was launched following serious complaints of widespread illegal mineral extraction across the Jammu division. Preliminary reports suggested a suspected nexus between mineral bidders and certain officials in the Mining and Ecological Departments, which allowed these activities to continue unchecked,” the ACB said in a statement.

To immediately halt illegal extraction and the misuse of natural resources, specialized ACB teams, led by gazetted officers, carried out coordinated surprise inspections at multiple stone-crushing facilities in both districts.

During the searches, ACB officials seized crucial electronic devices, critical records, and highly incriminating documents. Several allegedly forged ‘Form-A’ transit documents were also recovered from operational sites.

“All inspected stone crushers were found to be actively involved in illegal mining, operating in blatant violation of their mandated terms and conditions and causing irreversible ecological damage to the region,” the statement said.

The ACB added that further investigations based on the recovered evidence are ongoing. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling corrupt networks and stopping the exploitation of Jammu’s natural resources,” the statement added.