30 vehicles, 6 JCBs seized, Rs 8 lakh fine recovered in 10 days: DMO Pulwama

PAMPORE: The Geology and Mining Department Pulwama seized eight vehicles, which were being used for illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in the Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

A team of the Geology and Mining department led by District Mineral Officer (DMO) Pulwama Majid Aziz during raids seized 7 vehicles and a JCB involved in illegal mining in Mundakpal Ladhoo and Pampore areas, officials told Kashmir Reader.

District Mineral Officer (DMO) Pulwama Majid Aziz said that three dozen vehicles engaged in illegal mining across the district have been seized in the last ten days in Pampore, Awantipora and Pulwama areas.

“30 vehicles and 6 JCBs have been seized since 15 February,” he said, adding that six boats involved in sand mining from river Jhelum were also destroyed in Awantipora, Barsoo and Pampore

He said that a fine of Rs 8 lakh was recovered from violators. He said the department will not allow any illegal mining in the district and the drive against violators will continue.

The officer reiterated his appeal to drivers to purchase minerals from legal sources only.

BILAL HABIB