Police intensify crackdown on illegal mining

sameer
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04 Mar 2026

Srinagar, Mar 04: Continuing its sustained drive against illegal mining, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday seized seven vehicles in Ganderbal and Shopian districts for their alleged involvement in the extraction and transportation of minerals. In Ganderbal district, police seized three vehicles — two tippers and one tractor — involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals within the jurisdictions of Police Station Safapora and Police Station Kangan. The vehicles were found transporting illegally extracted material from Nallah Sindh without mandatory permissions. Acting swiftly and in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, police teams from the concerned stations intercepted and seized the vehicles on the spot, tightening the clampdown on illegal mineral transportation in the area. Meanwhile, in Shopian district, police seized four tractors involved in unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals in the Berthipora and Takwan areas. During routine patrolling, a police party from Police Post Berthipora intercepted two tractors allegedly engaged in illegal mining without mandatory permissions. In this connection, FIR No. 09/2026 under relevant provisions of law was registered at Police Station Keller and investigation was initiated. In a similar action, police from Police Station Keller seized two more tractors involved in illegal transportation of minerals. Accordingly, FIR No. 10/2026 under relevant sections of law was registered at the same police station and further investigation has been taken up. Police said that illegal extraction not only causes loss to the public exchequer but also poses a serious threat to the ecological balance of the region. Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding natural resources, J&K Police said it will continue to take stringent legal action against individuals involved in unlawful extraction, transportation, or trade of minerals. The general public has been urged to cooperate with the police by reporting any such illegal activities. Police assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential and strict action will be taken against violators, the police said.