J&K Police crack down on illegal  mining activities across Valley

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a major crackdown on illegal mining activities across several districts in the Valley. For the past many days, the police have seized several vehicles and registered cases against those involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals. 

A senior police official told The Tribune that action was being initiated across Kashmir valley and orders had been issued to take "strict action" against the violators.

On Tuesday, the police intensified action against illegal mining in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. The previous week, police teams seized 10 vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals within the jurisdictions of Kheerbawani, Lar, and Gund police stations. The vehicles were found transporting illegally extracted material from Sindh Nullah.

Acting swiftly and in close coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, teams from the respective police stations intercepted and seized these vehicles on the spot.

“Offenders are once again strictly warned to desist from illegal mining and mineral transportation. The Ganderbal police will continue to take stringent action against all violators involved in unlawful extraction, transportation, or trade of minerals,” the police said.

In South Kashmir, the Awantipora police seized a mechanized motor boat and registered a case. In Pulwama, the police announced that it would continue the crackdown and intensify drives to ensure the rule of law was upheld.

In Sopore, the police, in close coordination with the Geology & Mining Department and other concerned agencies, launched a crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Jhelum. Personnel from the Tarzoo police station seized four tractors and two tippers involved in illegal extraction of sand and other minor minerals from the river at Seer.

“Illegal mining has caused damage to the river embankment and posed a potential threat to nearby public infrastructure,” a police statement said.

“Police teams have intensified surveillance at vulnerable points along the river and are maintaining strict vigil in coordination with revenue, mining and irrigation authorities,” the Sopore police said.

In the neighbouring Baramulla, the district police recently seized four tippers loaded with illegally extracted stones at Iqbal Market, Old Town Baramulla. The police said the vehicles were intercepted during routine checks, and upon verification, it was found that the material had been extracted without legal permission.

“Immediate action was initiated, and the seizure was executed strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act,” the police said.