SRINAGAR: Police have intensified their drive against illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minerals, seizing 26 vehicles and an illegally dumped stock of minerals in Baramulla, Ganderbal and Shopian, officials said on Wednesday.
In Baramulla, police intercepted and seized a dumper (JK04H-9913) and a tipper (JK01G-5111) during a checkpoint at Babateng in Pattan for allegedly transporting illegally extracted minerals without valid authorisation. Legal proceedings under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act have been initiated, police said.
In a separate operation, police, in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, seized illegally dumped boulders and gravel at Babagund in Pattan following specific information. According to police, the minerals had allegedly been extracted illegally from Babagund Nallah and dumped by two local residents. The Geology and Mining Department imposed a penalty of ₹73,693 under the MMDR Act, officials said.
In Ganderbal, police seized 19 vehicles, including three tippers, 15 tractors and one excavator (JCB), for their alleged involvement in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in the jurisdictions of Police Station Ganderbal, Police Station Kangan and Police Station Gund. The vehicles were handed over to the Geology and Mining Department, which imposed penalties under the relevant provisions, according to police.
In Shopian, police seized five vehicles in separate operations. Three tractors were intercepted by Police Post Saidpora for allegedly transporting minerals without valid royalty documents. Police Station Keller seized another tractor allegedly involved in illegal extraction without permission, while Police Post Hermain seized a tipper allegedly engaged in illegal mining activities.
Police said cases have been registered at the respective police stations in Shopian and investigations are underway.
