Kulgam, Jan 29: In a major crackdown on illegal mining activities, Kulgam Police arrested 22 individuals and seized 24 vehicles involved in the extraction and transportation of minerals from the Veshaw River and other Nallahs in the district.
This decisive move against environmental degradation and illegal activities was led by Kulgam Police under the supervision of SSP Kulgam Sahil Sarangal-IPS. The operation has resulted apprehended of 22 individuals and confiscated 24 vehicles involved in the illicit extraction and transportation of sand, boulders, and other minerals.
“Protecting the environmental integrity of Kulgam is a top priority for us,” declared a police official. “These rivers and streams are not only vital for our ecosystem but also vulnerable to flooding if we neglect their health. We will not tolerate any activity that puts them or the safety of nearby residents at risk.”
This decisive action marks a significant step towards protecting the environment and safeguarding the communities residing near these vulnerable waterways.
“This illegal activity not only degrades the riverbeds and Nallahs, making them susceptible to floods, but also endangers the ecological balance and poses a threat to nearby localities,” stated a top police official. “Our officers have been tirelessly working to curb this menace, and these arrests and seizures send a strong message that such environmentally harmful practices will not be tolerated.”
The seized vehicles include 15 tractors, 7 dumpers, 1 tipper, and 1 JCB machine, all allegedly used for illegal mining activities. Cases have been registered at various police stations across the district, including Devsar, Qaimoh, Qazigund, Kulgam, Kund, Behibagh, Manzgam, and DH Pora. Investigations are ongoing in all cases.
The official emphasized the importance of environmental protection and urged the public to cooperate in this endeavor. He encouraged community members to share any information regarding illegal mining activities by dialing 112.
