Kulgam: In a significant crackdown on illegal mineral extraction, the Geology and Mining Department of Kulgam district has seized twelve vehicles, including one JCB machine, during a raid conducted over the past 24 hours, official said on Saturday.
He told that District Mineral Officer (DMO) Kulgam, Bilal Ahmad, led the operation alongside his staff. The team targeted areas such as Mirpora Ashmuji, DH Pora and Kund belt of Kulgam district.
“Vehicles seized were reportedly involved in the extraction and transportation of minerals, a practice that has been detrimental to the environment and local resources”, he said.
When contacted, District Mineral Officer (DMO) Kulgam, Bilal Ahmad told they would continue to take strict measures against those violating mining regulations. The seized vehicles are now under the custody of the department, and further investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for the illegal activities.
“The operations against illegal extraction and transportation are being conducted regularly by the department, with strict actions taken against offenders to deter them from engaging in illegal activities”, he said, adding no leniency will be provided to those trying to loot natural resources and causing irreparable damage to the ecology.
