Budgam: The Mining Department has carried out 276 seizures in and around Sukhnag Nallah between January 2024 and April 2026 as part of action against illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minerals, recovering ₹37.20 lakh in penalties from offenders.
According to official details, the enforcement drive also resulted in the registration of 36 FIRs against habitual offenders during the same period.
The department has also taken action In compliance with the directions of the National Green Tribunal contained in its order dated 08.03.2022 titled Raja Muzaffar Bhat versus Union of India & Others, an amount of Rs. 1.00 crore was deposited by the Department of Mining, J&K (UT) with the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, for carrying out restoration works in the affected areas of Doodhganga and Mamath Khul.
As part of the enforcement measures in the Doodhganga Nallah area since 2022-23, eight FIRs have been registered, while 104 vehicles, machinery and tools involved in illegal mining activities were seized. The department said ₹12.61 lakh was recovered as compounding charges from offenders.
Seven restoration works were identified and executed through the Flood Control Department in the affected areas of Doodhganga Nallah and Mamat Khul. The department stated that all seven works had been completed.
Meanwhile, the Mining Department has established a Satellite-Based Integrated Mine Surveillance System (IMSS) in collaboration with BISAG-N to monitor illegal extraction and transportation of minerals. The system generates triggers and alerts that are subsequently subjected to field verification.
In Budgam, the system generated five triggers and 69 alerts, all of which were physically verified. The department reported penalties of ₹2.04 lakh in cases where violations were established.
The department has also reported that the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), Budgam, accrued ₹8.41 crore between 2021-22 and August 2026. The funds are intended for schemes undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY).
