Kulgam, Dec 5,: Authorities in Kulgam have intensified their drive against illegal mining, seizing twelve vehicles involved in unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals. The haul includes a JCB excavator, dumpers and tractors, marking one of the largest enforcement actions in recent weeks.
The operation was carried out by the District Mineral Office Kulgam under the Zero Tolerance Policy issued by Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Ather Amir. Officials said that DMO Dar Khurshid personally supervised multiple coordinated raids across vulnerable mining belts, supported by his enforcement staff.
According to the Geology and Mining Department, surveillance has been significantly strengthened with the use of Mine Surveillance Systems, GPS-backed vehicle tracking and CCTV monitoring across designated sites in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials noted that these interventions have sharply reduced attempts at illegal extraction and improved immediate detection of violations.
Over the past several days, the enforcement teams have carried out continuous strikes involving vehicle seizures, compounding procedures and actions under COM and POM, thereby disrupting movement of illegally mined material. The department said the presence of field teams has provided much-needed relief to locals who had been raising concerns over unregulated extraction.
DMO Dar Khurshid said all enforcement efforts are being undertaken strictly in line with the instructions of the District Administration Kulgam. He said the department remains committed to safeguarding natural resources and maintaining full compliance with environmental regulations. [KNT]
