Pampore: In a significant operation against illegal mining and unauthorized mineral transportation, the Geology and Mining Department in Pulwama district seized 16 vehicles, including heavy machinery, in the last 24 hours. Led by District Mineral Officer (DMO) Pulwama, Er Mohammad Manzoor, the crackdown aimed to curb illicit activities related to mining and transportation of minerals.
The operations were conducted across various areas of Pulwama district, with a particular focus on Awantipora, Newa, Lassipora, Pampore, and Rajpora. The DMO and the dedicated seizure squad were instrumental in identifying and confiscating vehicles engaged in illegal mineral transportation.
In Awantipora and Newa, six vehicles were seized during targeted operations, emphasizing the district authorities’ commitment to enforcing regulations and preserving environmental integrity. Lassipora witnessed the confiscation of five vehicles involved in unauthorized mineral transportation, while Pampore and Newa reported the seizure of two vehicles engaged in similar illegal activities.
The crackdown also extended to heavy machinery used in illegal mining. Two large chain-type machines and a JCB were seized in Khrew Pampore and Rajpora, Pulwama, respectively. The timely response to a phone complaint led to the confiscation of the JCB involved in unauthorized mineral extraction during night hours.
DMO Pulwama, Er Mohammad Manzoor, emphasized the importance of possessing the necessary challan for transportation. He urged drivers to comply with regulations and warned that failure to use proper documentation would result in heavy penalties, typically around 15 thousand INR. He clarified that vehicles with valid challans are not targeted, but those involved in unauthorized transportation face legal consequences.
Er Mohammad Manzoor highlighted the ongoing vigilance against illegal mining in Pulwama district. He assured a fast-track system to deal with illegal mining cases, emphasizing the strict enforcement of rules against violators. The operations underscore the authorities’ determination to curb environmental violations and maintain the integrity of mining regulations in the region.

BILAL HABIB