Jammu and Kashmir enforces scientific mining, cracks down on illegal extraction

Chairman of the J&K Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment, M Y Tarigami, led a detailed review of the Geology and Mining Department and called for zero tolerance against illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the use of satellite surveillance, GPS tracking, e‑permits and a unified mining portal, and stressed stronger coordination among revenue, police, forest and district administrations to protect the environment and maximise revenue.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary chaired the board meeting of Jammu & Kashmir Minerals Limited, emphasizing that the region’s mineral wealth belongs to its people and must be harnessed through scientific, transparent practices. He directed the rapid operationalisation of projects such as the limestone mine at Khrew, additional gypsum blocks in Ramban, and a fuel pump at Khrew‑Pulwama, aiming to create jobs and boost industrial development. The meeting also approved measures to improve efficiency, governance and financial management of the corporation.