Kulgam, Dec 15: Authorities in Kulgam conducted a raid on Sunday after receiving multiple reports about illegal mining activities in the Veshow River. During the operation, 11 JCB machines among 17 vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals were seized.
District Mining Officer (DMO) Bilal Ahmad said that the action was taken on the instructions of the district administration. The raid was conducted in coordination with the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kulgam.
Ahmad said that mining without environmental clearance (EC) is strictly prohibited.
“We will only permit mining activities carried out by individuals with valid environmental clearance,” he added.
Meanwhile Kulgam police in a press statement said that multiple information regarding illegal mining was generated by Kulgam police and promptly special teams of police along with officers of geology and mining department Kulgam under the supervision of SSP Kulgam Sahil Sarangal- were constituted that swiftly raided the suspicious location at Thokerpora, Ashmuji and Bhan, Kulgam and seized 17 vehicles (11 JCBs and 06 tractors) involved in extraction and transportation of illegal mining minerals.
“The legal proceedings against the persons involved in illegal extraction without possessing any lawful authority has been initiated. This has been the continuous process of Kulgam Police along with geology and mining department Kulgam to bust the nexus of mineral mafias in district Kulgam to save natural treasure from illegal prowling. Police are resolutely committed to curb the scourge of illegal extraction of minerals in Kulgam to safeguard the environment and prevent ecological damage that poses serious health risks to local residents,” the statement reads.
The police said that people are requested to come forward or Dial-112 regarding any information about illegal extraction of minerals. Kulgam Police warns of stringent action as per law against those whosoever found involved in such activities.
