The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — In a concerted effort to combat the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, a police team from Pulwama Police Station conducted a checkpoint at Peaks Crossing, leading to the interception of several vehicles loaded with unlawfully obtained minerals.

The police apprehended three individuals operating as drivers of these vehicles, which were subsequently seized as evidence of the criminal activity.

As a result, FIR No. 53/2024 has been filed under pertinent sections of the law at Police Station Pulwama, with investigations underway.

Authorities warn that those involved in illegal mining activities will face legal consequences.

The police encourage the people to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods to the relevant police units.

PULWAMA — In a bid to tackle the issue of illegal mining in the district, authorities in Pulwama have taken decisive action, seizing several vehicles and impounding a mechanized boat. The District Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Basharat Qayoom, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining activities.

Under the direction of Dr. Basharat Qayoom, the Geology and Mining department has intensified efforts to curb illegal mining in Pulwama district. In line with this, the department has established checkposts, commonly known as Nakas, in various areas to monitor and prevent the unauthorized extraction of minerals.

During a recent operation, led by DMO Pulwama, Fayaz Ahmad, a significant number of vehicles transporting illegally-mined material were apprehended in different parts of the district. The crackdown resulted in the seizure and impoundment of seven vehicles, including a JCB, while a mechanized boat was also confiscated in the Gagribal area of Awantipora.

Drivers were cautioned by the departmental team to ensure they only purchase minerals from legal sources and refrain from engaging in illegal mining practices. The administration has adopted a firm stance against any form of unauthorized mining and transportation of minerals, with individuals involved in such activities to be dealt with severely under relevant legal provisions.

This recent operation builds upon the administration's ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining in Pulwama district. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any instances of illegal mining activities to the authorities. Such reports enable prompt action to be taken against those responsible.

Furthermore, authorities have called upon the general public to obtain construction materials, including minerals, from authorized vendors at government-notified rates. To ensure convenience and efficiency, online purchase options have been made available, guaranteeing timely service delivery within the specified time frame.

The crackdown on illegal mining reflects the commitment of the District Administration Pulwama to protect natural resources and maintain a sustainable environment. By taking strict action against those involved in illegal mining practices, authorities aim to preserve the integrity of the district's mineral resources and ensure their responsible and lawful utilization.

PULWAMA — The residents of south Kashmir’s Karimabad village in Pulwama district on Thursday alleged that the illegal mineral extraction goes unabated in Nallah Romshi in different places of the district while the authorities are acting as a mute spectator.

Inhabitants of the district accused authorities of inaction against the ‘vested interest elements’ who, according to them, resort to illegal extraction of Bajri and boulders from the area.

Locals said that some people are extracting Bajri and boulders illegally from the Nallah, thereby resulting in the receding of water level besides weakening the embankments.

They said that illegal mining is posing a threat to their horticulture and agricultural land as the level of Nallah is going down with each passing day. “If the situation continues like this, the water from the Nallah won’t enter into the farm or agricultural lands whenever the farmers will need it for irrigation purposes,” they said, as per the news agency CNS.

“The illegal extraction from the Nallah is posing a threat to the fish production as well,” they said.

The locals further added that the JCBs are openly extracting the minerals from the Nallah while the authorities don’t even bother to reach the spot to take action against them and the illegal extraction process is carried out every day during morning hours.

“Illegal extraction is going on at night and morning time and the noise of tippers, tractors and other machines used for extraction is not even letting us sleep peacefully,” they added.

Meanwhile, the locals appealed to Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary to look into the matter and deal with the offenders strictly.

DMO Pulwama Majid Aziz Bhat said that an FIR has been registered against three smugglers on the complaint of local citizens. He further said that they have registered a case against Shabir Maqbool Ganie, Shabir Rehman Wani, both residents of Karimabad and Zahid Nazir Shaikh, resident of Wahibugh Pulwama for illegally removing borders from Romshi Nallah.

TRAL — Intensifying its efforts to crack the whip on illegal mining of minerals, Geology & Mining Department continues to lay Nakas in several areas of the Pulwama district.

On the directions of the DMO Pulwama, the recent Nakas were laid at different locations of Tral to book the defaulters.

On the basis of the complaints, the team laid Nakas at Nowdal, Lalgam, Chandrigam and Aaligund areas, where they blocked link roads to stop illegal mining.

It is worthwhile to mention here that Geology and Mining Department is continuously holding inspections during daytime and night hours in the areas having apprehension of illegal mining activities in Pulwama.