Jammu and Kashmir authorities crack down on illegal mining

Data presented to the Lok Sabha reveals that Jammu and Kashmir recorded 24 triggers from the Mining Surveillance System (MSS) over the last five years. Of these, only one case of unauthorized mining was confirmed following field verification, occurring in Pulwama during the 2021-22 to 2025-26 period.

Nationally, the MSS generated 679 triggers during the same timeframe, with 42 cases of unauthorized mining confirmed by state governments. Goa recorded the highest number of confirmed cases at 17, followed by Gujarat with seven and Madhya Pradesh with six.

In a separate enforcement action, the Jammu and Kashmir Police seized 33 vehicles and pieces of heavy machinery involved in illegal mining across several districts. The crackdown included the seizure of 10 JCB machines in Pulwama, eight vehicles in Ganderbal, three tractors in Shopian, and several tippers and tractors in Baramulla. These operations targeted the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minor minerals without valid permits.