Kulgam, Dec 2,: District Mineral Officer Kulgam, Khurshid Ahmad, said on Tuesday that his department has launched sustained and aggressive action against illegal mining in the district, resulting in the seizure of more than 50 vehicles during December, including 15 vehicles impounded in the latest round of operations.
Speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, the DMO said penalties exceeding Rs 11 lakh have already been imposed during the current month, while total revenue generated through mineral enforcement in December has reached nearly ₹50 lakh.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that no individual, contractor, or transporter involved in illegal mining will be spared. Daily enforcement is underway and inspections are being conducted across all vulnerable zones,” he said.
He noted that illegal extraction has registered a sharp dip across the district, with only a few isolated areas still under close watch.
“The results of sustained checking are visible on the ground. We have dismantled multiple illegal supply chains and increased field vigilance in remaining pockets,” the officer said.
While detailing the enforcement success, the DMO also flagged serious administrative hurdles affecting lawful mineral operations. He expressed concern that delays in environmental and operational clearances have immobilised most government-approved mining units.
“Out of 19 Minor Mineral Blocks, only five are currently functional. Fifteen have remained non-operational for five months due to pending Environment Clearances and Consent approvals. This is now impacting supply of construction material,” he said.
Calling for urgent intervention, the mining officer urged concerned regulatory authorities to expedite pending approvals to restore normal operations for legitimate lease holders.
“Law-abiding stakeholders should not suffer because of administrative delays. Regulation must ensure compliance, not paralysis,” he said.
The DMO said that enforcement activity would remain intensified and surprise inspections will be increased further to completely shut down illegal mining networks in Kulgam. [KNT]
