Baramulla: Police confiscated nine cars and detained their drivers in response to an illegal mining operation in the Khanpora, Shrai, Kreeri, and Mirchimar areas of Baramulla. Under the direction of DySP Hqrs Baramulla, SDPO Tangmarg, SDPO Pattan, and SDPO Kreeri, the action was started. SHOs from PS Baramulla, PS Tangmarg, PS Kreeri, and IC PP Mirgund also provided assistance.
Nine vehicles, including two tractors and seven tippers, were seized by the police after it was discovered that the drivers were engaged in illicit material transportation and mining. As a result, investigations have been started and cases under pertinent legal sections have been filed at the police stations in Kunzer, Baramulla, and Kreeri.
Authorities in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, have arrested nine drivers involved in illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of minerals, intensifying their crackdown on unlawful extraction activities. The arrests were made as part of a special enforcement drive aimed at curbing environmental degradation and ensuring compliance with mining regulations.
Crackdown on Illegal Mining
Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of police and Geology & Mining Department officials conducted raids at multiple locations in Baramulla. During the operation, they intercepted several vehicles, including tippers and dumpers, that were found transporting sand, gravel, and other construction materials without valid permits.
A senior police official stated, “We received credible inputs about illegal extraction of minerals from riverbeds and other unauthorized sites. Our team acted swiftly, leading to the arrest of nine drivers and the seizure of multiple vehicles.”
Environmental and Legal Implications
Illegal mining has been a persistent problem in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to severe environmental damage, including:
- Erosion of riverbanks, disrupting natural ecosystems. The recent crackdown serves as a clear message that authorities will not tolerate illegal mining activities that harm the environment and deplete natural resources.
- Decline in groundwater levels due to excessive sand and gravel extraction.
- Threat to aquatic biodiversity in affected water bodies.
Authorities have reiterated that unauthorized mining and transportation of minerals violate environmental laws and attract strict legal action under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Government’s Stern Warning
Following the arrests, the administration issued a strong warning to those involved in illegal mining, urging transporters and contractors to operate within legal frameworks. Officials have emphasized:
- Stricter monitoring of mining activities through satellite surveillance and field inspections.
- Heavy fines and imprisonment for repeat offenders. The recent crackdown serves as a clear message that authorities will not tolerate illegal mining activities that harm the environment and deplete natural resources.
Future Measures
The government has assured that anti-mining squads will continue regular inspections to prevent further violations. Additionally, efforts are being made to streamline legal mining operations to ensure a regulated and eco-friendly extraction process.
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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