Pampore: The Geology and Mining Department last month seized 71 vehicles that were being used for illegal mining, extraction and transportation of raw materials in different areas of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Officials informed Kashmir Reader that the Geology and Mining Department cracked the whip on illegal mining and extraction of minerals in the Pulwama district and seized 71 vehicles including LNTs and JCBs in the month of May and realised a huge fine from the violators.
He said the team led by DMO Pulwama conducted raids in different areas including Ladhoo, Khrew, Pampore, Awantipora, Tral, Newa and other parts of the district to check illegal mining, extraction and transportation of raw materials. These vehicles were being used in illegal mining, extraction, and transportation of raw materials illegally extracted during month-long operations.
The department has adopted a zero-tolerance against illegal mining, District Mineral Officer Pulwama Fayaz Ahmad told Kashmir Reader, adding that the drive against illegal mining of sand and boulders is going on in different areas of the district.
Fayaz said that during the month of May, 20 lakh rupees were compounded for various offences, adding that some drives were carried out during the day and some during the night.
He said that they also carried out a 36-hour drive in Awantipora and seized a Mechanical boat. He added that 10 to 15 FIRs have also been registered in the district.
“We disconnect ramps used by trippers for travelling towards Jhelum embankments to load sand,” he said, adding that they rebuild them during the night. He said they will coordinate with the Flood Control Department to check this trend.
The DMO Pulwama said that all of his team has been put on alert to monitor illegal mining in the district. He said all the illegal mining cases would be dealt with under the rules and all the things against the violators would be done by a fast-track system.

BILAL HABIB