Bilal Habib
PAMPORE, May 2: In a major crackdown against illegal mineral extraction, law enforcement agencies and the Department of Geology and Mining seized over a dozen vehicles and heavy machinery in coordinated operations across Pampore and Srinagar on Thursday.
The Pampore Police, under the leadership of SHO Inspector Naieem Rashid and supervision of SDPO R.P Singh, seized six tippers and a JCB without a number plate involved in illegal excavation and transportation of minerals. The seized vehicles bore registration numbers JK04B-0511, JK16-4199, JK13A-5299, JK01P-3017, JK01L-9127, and JK13B-7470. Two FIRs—47/2025 and 48/2025—have been registered at Police Station Pampore under relevant sections of law, and further investigation is underway.
Simultaneously, the Department of Geology and Mining intensified its enforcement efforts with night raids in Srinagar’s Nishat, Qamarwari, Khanyar, and Khonmoh areas. These operations led to the seizure of seven more vehicles, including a JCB machine, based on specific intelligence about unauthorized mineral extraction. Officials said the vehicles have been taken into custody and warned of strict legal action against violators.
In a parallel raid in Pampore’s Khrew area, a team from the Geology and Mining Department Pulwama, headed by District Mineral Officer (DMO) Er Mohammad Manzoor, seized an L&T chain-type machine involved in illegal mining. The DMO emphasized that enforcement drives will continue and urged residents to procure minerals only from legal sources to avoid punitive action.
Both the police and mining authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting natural resources, public health, and government revenue, urging community members to report any illegal activities related to mineral extraction.
