125 vehicles, machines seized, Rs 48 lakh fine realised in three months: DMO Pulwama

BILAL HABIB

PAMPORE: In a significant move against illegal mining operations, the Geology and Mining department, with support from the Awantipora Police, conducted a successful operation in the Hatiwara area of Pampore Tehsil on Friday.
Officials from the Geology and Mining department reported that during the joint operation against illegal sand mining in the Hatiwara area of Pampore Tehsil, four vehicles were seized, and two vehicles were subsequently blacklisted. Additionally, several ramps used for illegal mining activities were dismantled during the day-long operation.
Over the past seven days, the Geology and Mining department has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, extraction, and transportation of raw materials in various areas of the Pulwama district. A total of 15 vehicles, including heavy machinery, were seized across Pampore, Awantipora, and Pulwama areas. Notably, eight vehicles, including a JCB engaged in unauthorized mineral transportation, were seized during raids and roadside checks in Pampore Reshipora and Newa areas.
Furthermore, three machines, including a JCB, were confiscated at Mandakal Pampore and K.koot Charsoo for their involvement in illegal mineral extraction activities. In a joint operation led by DMO Pulwama Er Mohammad Manzoor and Tehsildar Pampore Malik Asif Ahmad, two chain-type machines and one JCB were seized at Mandakpal, Pampore K.koot Charsoo area for illegal mineral extraction activities.
In another swift action, DMO Pulwama Er Mohammad Manzoor, along with his team, seized four vehicles at Panjran and Lassipora, Pulwama, further tightening the grip on illegal mining operations in the region.
These operations underscore the authorities’ commitment to combatting illegal mining activities and ensuring the preservation of natural resources while upholding the rule of law.
Over the last three months, the Geology and Mining Department has seized about 125 vehicles, including heavy chain-type machines, used for illegal mining, extraction, and transportation of raw materials in different areas of Pampore and Pulwama. They have also realized fines totaling approximately 48 lakh rupees from the violators.
DMO Pulwama, Er Mohammad Manzoor, emphasized that the Deputy Commissioner Pulwama has issued strict instructions to prevent illegal mining in the district. Joint drives involving the police, revenue, geology and mining department, and flood control department have been directed to combat illegal mining effectively.
“We have cut off numerous ramps where illegal mining was taking place, and we have also seized the equipment involved in these activities,” stated Er Mohammad Manzoor.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal activities in their respective areas to the authorities, emphasizing collective efforts to safeguard valuable resources.
The department maintains a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, with ongoing efforts to curb illegal extraction, transportation, and mining activities across different areas of the district.

BILAL HABIB