11 Vehicles seized for illegal extraction of minor minerals in Handwara

Kupwara: Acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, Geology & Mining Department, conducted a special raid Wednesday at Handwara to curb the illegal extraction of minor minerals.
During the operation, District Mineral Officer (DMO) seized 11 vehicles including tippers, tractors after they were found illegally transporting bajri (gravel), sand, and silt from the nallah at various places of Handwara, Chowgal, Kralgund and Zachaldar. The seized vehicles were subsequently handed over to the concerned police stations for safe custody.
DMO cautioned the offenders against engaging in unlawful mining activities and emphasized that strict legal action would be taken under the Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, specifically Section 21, as enforced under the J&K Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016 (SRO 105).
The district administration has reiterated its commitment to protecting natural resources and warned of intensified action against illegal mining in the region.