Authorities crack down on illegal mining in Kupwara, seize 860 vehicles, collect Rs 3 crore
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Aatif Qayoom
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12 Jan 2026
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Geology and Mining Department has intensified its crackdown against illegal mining in the border areas of Kupwara district, seizing 860 vehicles and collecting over Rs 3.02 crore during the year 2025.
Officials said the drive was aimed at stopping illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, protecting public infrastructure, and bringing transparency to the sector. Despite operating with limited staff strength, the department carried out a district-wide operation to curb the growing menace of illegal mining.
According to officials, the department generated Rs 1.77 crore as royalty and imposed penalties amounting to Rs 1.25 crore on vehicles involved in illegal mineral transportation. District Mining Officer Mumtaz Ahmed told Rising Kashmir that strict action was taken across the district and a large number of vehicles were penalised.
He said the enforcement drive would continue, and no relaxation would be given to those violating mining laws. He added that illegal mining had caused serious damage to roads, bridges, and other public assets in several areas.
To strengthen monitoring, all tippers operating in the district have been directed to install GPS systems. The officer said this step will help the department track vehicle movement and verify the actual source of construction material.
Earlier, drivers used to lift material from one location and obtain GRs from another district, making it difficult to trace illegal activity. With GPS tracking in place, this practice will be checked, and fraudulent transportation will be stopped.
The officer further said that in the coming period, some mining blocks in Khofar area will be legalised. These blocks will be auctioned to ensure a regulated supply of construction material and to reduce dependence on illegal sources. This move is expected to bring relief to the public and stabilise the market.
Meanwhile, residents of Kupwara have expressed concern over the high prices of construction material. They said rates have increased sharply due to the absence of legal mining blocks in several areas of Khofar. Responding to these concerns, the department has issued a rate list for the general public and directed sellers to follow designated rates.
Officials warned that any violation will invite strict action, adding that the crackdown against illegal mining will continue in the interest of public welfare and infrastructure safety. With the start of Chillai Kalan on December 21, when fresh snow covered Gulmarg, the famous ski resort saw a sudden rise in footfall. Long queues were seen at the Gandola, known as Asia’s highest cable car. Tourists waited patiently, eager to reach the upper slopes.
Local hotel owners and taxi drivers say snowfall has restored livelihoods. Markets are busy again, and transport services are active. Even after sunset, Gulmarg remains lively with growing night tourism.
Tourists say they found more than snow in Kashmir. They found safety, warmth, and trust. Winter has once again returned Gulmarg to the centre of Kashmir’s tourism story.
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