Srinagar: Police on Sunday intensified action against illegal mining in north and south Kashmir, seizing 15 vehicles and machines allegedly involved in the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals in Sopore and Awantipora.
In Sopore, police seized 10 motorised pumps and other equipment allegedly being used for illegal extraction of minerals, besides a tractor reportedly involved in transporting illegally extracted material. The action was carried out during enforcement drives at various locations across the police district.
Police said the seized equipment and vehicle have been taken into custody and legal proceedings have been initiated.
Meanwhile, in Awantipora, police seized four tractors and a tipper allegedly involved in illegal mining activities at different locations.
According to police, a patrol party from Police Post Aripal detected illegal mineral extraction at Pastuna and seized three tractors on the spot. In a separate operation, Police Station Awantipora seized a tractor and a tipper allegedly being used for unauthorized extraction of minerals in the Awantipora area.
Police said action against illegal mining would continue and added that it was coordinating with the Geology and Mining Department and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to curb such activities.
