People Involved In Illegal Mining in Ferozpora Tangmarg To Face Stringent Action Dy CM Assures MLA Farooq Shah In Assembly

Jammu: The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illegal mining activities in the Ferozpora Tangmarg Nallah and other water bodies across Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to Assembly question tendered by MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Chief Minister J&K Surinder Kumar Chowdhury stated that the Government has imposed penalties exceeding one crore rupees during 2023 and 2024-25 as part of its stringent measures to combat unauthorized mineral extraction. He further said that mining contracts for rivers and tributaries across the Union Territory, including the Ferozpora Nallah, were auctioned in accordance with Chapter VI of the Jammu and Kashmir Mineral Concessions, Storage, Transportation of Minerals, and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules (as per SRO 105 of 2016, dated March 31, 2016).
The Deputy Chief Minister assured that all mining contracts were awarded only after obtaining environmental clearances from the relevant authorities and are executed in full compliance with the applicable mines and minerals regulations. Furthermore, he emphasized that local workers are engaged in such mining operations to safeguard the livelihoods of local communities, particularly those involved in customary mining practices. However, MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, while acknowledging the Government’s action, urged that traditional mining by the local populace should be allowed in rivers to protect their livelihoods. He expressed concern that the outsourcing of mining contracts has deprived many families of their only source of income. Shah further said that some contractors, despite having valid contracts, are indulging in excessive and illegal mining beyond permissible limits under the guise of legal operations. He called upon the Government to take immediate and strict action against such violations, ensuring strict monitoring and enforcement to prevent over-extraction and environmental degradation.