Bilal Habib
PAMPORE, March 01: In an ongoing crackdown on illegal mining, the Geology and Mining Department of Pulwama, under the supervision of District Mineral Officer (DMO) Er. Mohammad Manzoor, conducted night raids across various parts of the district, seizing 12 vehicles, including nine dumpers, tippers, L&T machine and tractors, involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.
The raids were carried out in Pampore, Wuyan, Khrew, Mandakpal, Awantipora, Tral, and Lassipora as part of the department’s continued efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the district.
Officials Informed Kashmir Convener that a total of 55 vehicles, including heavy machinery, have been seized in the past two months, and fines amounting to Rs 15 lakh have been imposed on violators. He emphasized the department’s commitment to taking strict action against those involved in illegal mining and ensuring legal consequences for offenders.
Talking to Kashmir Convener, DMO Pulwama, Er. Mohammad Manzoor, said that their drives against illegal mining are conducted on a consistent basis in the district. He said in the last three days, they have seized 24 vehicles, including L&T machinery, that were illegally transporting mining minerals and various other types of minerals.
“Additionally, we seized one mechanical boat in Barsoo, Awantipora, which was illegally extracting sand from the Jhelum River. These vehicles and the mechanical boat are currently in custody, and heavy fines will be imposed to ensure that individuals do not engage in illegal mining in the future”.
He said that their field teams are on high alert, and they are conducting drives against illegal mining in various areas, including Khrew, Wuyan, Mundakpal, Pampore, Awantipora, Tral, Lassipora, and Kakapora, covering every nook and corner of District Pulwama.
DMO Er. Mohammad Manzoor further told Kashmir Convener that in the last two months, they have seized almost 55 vehicles, including heavy L&T machines, and collected fines amounting to rupees 15 lakh.
DMO Pulwama again appealed to the people to purchase materials from legal sources and not engage in illegal mining under any circumstances, as strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in illegal mining, he said.
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