Pulwama, Sept 04 : In a determined effort to curb illegal mining activities in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, authorities have intensified their crackdown, leading to the seizure of multiple vehicles and the destruction of illegal mining infrastructure.
Legal mining operations in the district have been temporarily halted to allow for the rejuvenation of water bodies affected by mining activities.
The District Mineral Officer of Geology and Mining in Pulwama revealed that legal mining has been suspended until September 15, as part of their mining plan to protect and restore vital water bodies in the region.
During this hiatus, the administration has taken a zero-tolerance stance against illegal mining operations.
In recent actions, the Geology and Mining Department in Pulwama seized a total of nine vehicles and three JCB machines in the Lassipora area on Monday.
These machines were being used for illegal mining activities.
Additionally, authorities cracked down on unauthorised sand extraction from the Jhelum River in the Pampore area on September 2. The joint operation, led by Tehsildar Pampore Zuber Ahmad Bhat and officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, resulted in the destruction of several illegal mining ramps in Bujibagh Samboora region of Pampore Tehsil.
Earlier on August 30, Tehsildar Pampore Zuber Ahmad Bhat conducted night raids in Mandakpal village of Pampore Tehsil, seizing 11 vehicles, including 6 JCBs, 2 LNTs, and 3 Tippers, involved in illegal mining and transportation of raw materials. These seized machines were handed over to the Geology and Mining Department for further legal proceedings.
The administration’s resolute actions against illegal mining underscore their commitment to preserving the environment and enforcing the law.
Illegal miners have been warned that they will face severe consequences as mandated by law.
