SRINAGAR: Police, in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department and the Flood Control Department, carried out a series of enforcement drives against illegal mining in Pulwama and Baramulla, seizing vehicles, boats and mining equipment, besides registering a case and demolishing unauthorised access ramps.
In Pulwama, a joint team of Police Post Newa and the Geology and Mining Department intercepted a tipper (JK13B-5772) at Wanpora allegedly carrying illegally extracted sand. Police said the driver failed to produce valid documents authorising transportation of the material. The vehicle was seized, handed over to the Geology and Mining Department and challaned under the relevant mining laws.
In another operation at Yader in Litter, a joint team of Police Station Litter and the Geology and Mining Department seized a dumper (JK03H-2704) allegedly involved in the illegal extraction of soil. The vehicle was challaned and handed over to the department for further action.
Police also demolished unauthorised access ramps along the banks of the Jhelum at Lelhar in Kakapora to curb illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.
Meanwhile, Police Station Kakapora registered FIR No. 56/2026 under Sections 303(2) and 324 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with alleged illegal mining involving two tractors (JK16-3826 and JK05B-6370). Investigation is underway.
In Baramulla, police, in coordination with the Flood Control Department, conducted an enforcement drive in the Jetty-Jhuhama-Chakloo area along the Jhelum embankments targeting illegal sand extraction.
During the operation, police seized 10 boats, four water pumps, two dredgers and one boat pusher allegedly used for illegal mining. Police said legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of law have been initiated.