Jammu and Kashmir authorities crack down on illegal mining

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued a notification authorizing officers within the Geology and Mining Department to file written complaints before special courts regarding illegal mining and violations of minor mineral rules. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016, various levels of officials—including the Director, Joint Directors, and Deputy Directors—are empowered to initiate legal action within their respective jurisdictions.

In a related enforcement effort, Jammu and Kashmir Police seized 26 vehicles during operations targeting illegal mining and unauthorized mineral transportation in the Anantnag and Baramulla districts. In Anantnag, the crackdown resulted in the seizure of 16 vehicles, including tractors, tippers, and a JCB machine, and the detention of 59 individuals for verification. In Baramulla, police seized two tippers found transporting sand in quantities exceeding the limits specified on royalty receipts. These actions were conducted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to curb unauthorized mineral movement and enforce vehicle regulations.