Bilal Habib
Srinagar: In a decisive action against illegal mineral transportation, the Department of Geology and Mining, Srinagar, in coordination with local police, seized eight vehicles during late-night raids in different parts of the city.
The crackdown, supervised by District Mineral Officer Dr. Mohammad Saleem, was carried out in Khanyar, Parimpora, and Qamarwari areas. Officials said the seized vehicles were transporting minerals without valid e-challans, violating established legal protocols.
“These vehicles were operating in complete disregard of regulations, and penalties will be imposed before their release,” said an official from the department while speaking to Kashmir Convener.
The raids were part of an ongoing campaign aimed at curbing illegal mining and ensuring strict compliance with mineral transport regulations. The department reiterated that only minerals procured from authorized sources and transported with valid e-challans (Form A) from the official portal will be allowed.
Officials also issued stern warnings to individuals and entities involved in unauthorized mining, cautioning that violators will face stringent legal consequences. The department affirmed that such enforcement drives will continue to preserve the ecological balance and uphold the law.