Srinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) Police in J&K’s Pulwama district on Friday seized 23 dumpers/tippers and an excavator during an operation against illegal mining in the district.
“In a major crackdown on illegal mining, Pulwama Police, acting on the directions of SSP Pulwama, conducted early-morning raids at multiple locations across the Rohmu belt to curb the illegal extraction of soil and minerals. During the operation, a police team led by DySP Headquarters, Pulwama, intercepted illegal soil extraction at Gusoo, Pulwama, and seized 23 dumpers/tippers and one L&T excavator from the spot,” a police statement said.
Preliminary findings indicate that the extraction activity was being carried out in violation of the prescribed terms and conditions of the permit.
In this connection, an FIR has been registered at Police Station Pulwama under the relevant provisions of law, and further investigation has been initiated to ascertain all facts and establish accountability.
“Pulwama Police reiterates its firm commitment to eradicating illegal mining and ensuring strict enforcement of the law. The public is urged to cooperate with the police and promptly report any instances of illegal mining to help protect the environment and preserve public resources,” the statement said.
Illegal mining in J&K has emerged as a critical socio-environmental and governance crisis, marked by massive scales of unauthorised mineral extraction alongside heavily disproportionate criminal prosecution. Powered by an infrastructure boom and a high demand for construction materials (sand, gravel, boulders, and soil), a well-entrenched network often operates unchecked across vital water bodies like the Jhelum River.
Official data highlights a massive gap between administrative seizures and actual criminal accountability.
During the 2025–26 fiscal year, authorities carried out 9,417 seizures and recovered Rs 20.009 crore in penalties, yet registered only 285 FIRs.
Districts like Kathua reported 1,019 seizures but only a single FIR. Samba registered 800 seizures without a single FIR. Conversely, districts like Kupwara (48 FIRs out of 972 seizures) and Baramulla (41 FIRs out of 845 seizures) saw more proactive legal actions.
Faced with escalating criticism, the J&K administration has rapidly tightened regulations.
In October 2026, the government formally empowered Mining Department officers to file direct complaints against illegal miners to expedite prosecution.
Senior officials have faced immediate suspension and administrative attachments for complicity or negligence. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has also registered criminal FIRs targeting collusive relationships between mining syndicates and government officials.
The Department of Geology & Mining has strictly banned the deployment of heavy earth-moving machinery (like JCBs and excavators) in unauthorised zones, making a mandatory Royalty Clearance Certificate (RCC) a prerequisite for public works contractors.
Police divisions (such as Pulwama, Budgam, and Awantipora) routinely conduct early-morning intercept raids, seizing dozens of tippers, dumpers, and excavators weekly.
–IANS
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