Bilal Habib
PAMPORE, February 26: In a major crackdown on illegal mining activities, the Geology and Mining Department of Pulwama, under the supervision of District Mineral Officer (DMO) Engineer Mohammad Manzoor, conducted multiple raids across the district.
According to officials, the first operation was carried out in the Awantipora area, leading to the seizure of a mechanical boat engaged in illegal sand mining. The operation took place at a sand extraction site on the Jhelum River in the Barsoo area of Awantipora. The enforcement team successfully seized the boat, which was later removed from the river and shifted to the Geology and Mining Sub Office in Khrew.
In addition to this, the department conducted surprise raids in several areas, including Tral, Khrew, Kakapora, and Lassipora, resulting in the seizure of seven vehicles involved in illegal mining and the transportation of minerals.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Geology and Mining official Nazir Ahmad revealed that the department had received information for last two days about a mechanical boat engaged in illegal sand extraction in the Jhelum River at Barsoo, Awantipora. Acting on these inputs, under the direction of District Mineral Officer (DMO) Pulwama, Engineer Mohammad Manzoor, a raid was conducted in the Barsoo area. The enforcement team successfully seized the mechanical boat and shifted it to the Geology and Mining Sub Office in Khrew.
He further said that seven vehicles involved in illegal mining and mineral transportation were also seized in Khrew, Tral, Kakapora, and Lassipora area.
The official urged people to refrain from illegal mining, warning that strict action would be taken against violators.
“As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, our team will remain on high alert 24/7. Wherever we receive information about illegal mining, sand extraction from the Jhelum River, or unauthorized stone quarrying, our team will reach the location immediately and take strict action against those involved,” Nazir Ahmad said.
DMO Pulwama Engineer Mohammad Manzoor told Kashmir Convener, that this crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to curb illegal mining in the region.
The crackdown on illegal mining activities will continue until complete control is established.
The mechanical boat seized during the raid were found to be operating without authorization, extracting sand from the river Jhelum at Barsoo.
The dedicated team also seized seven vehicles during the raids at Pampore, Tral, Kakapora and Lassipora areas of the district.
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