Budgam, Aug 22: Budgam Police have intensified their crackdown on illegal mining and the unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals, registering 34 FIRs and seizing 182 vehicles and heavy machinery involved in such activities across the district during the last four months.
According to a police official, the enforcement action was undertaken to curb illegal extraction and transportation of minerals and to prevent the misuse of public and natural resources. Police have also arrested 16 persons allegedly involved in illegal mining activities.
“The seized vehicles and machinery include three dumpers, 80 tippers, 82 tractors, six L&T machines and 11 JCBs,” the official said.
The seizures were carried out in several areas of Budgam district, including Chadoora, Humhama, Khansahib, Hardupanzo, Narbal, Waterhail, Soibugh, Beerwah and Magam.
The official said the coordinated enforcement drive was conducted in close coordination with the concerned government departments. In addition to the criminal proceedings initiated by the police, the Department of Geology and Mining has imposed fines amounting to lakhs of rupees on violators under the applicable provisions of law.
Budgam Police said the action is part of their continued efforts to check illegal mining, protect public resources and ensure that the district’s mineral resources are extracted and transported only in accordance with the law.
Police reiterated their commitment to taking firm action against individuals involved in illegal mining and other activities that threaten the sustainable and lawful use of the district’s natural resources.
