J&K Crackdown on Illegal Mining
SRINAGAR: In a major crackdown against illegal mining, the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken strict action over the past three years, penalizing 17,806 vehicles and machinery, recovering fines worth ₹46.68 crore, and registering 506 FIRs across the Union Territory.
According to officials quoted by Kashmir Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the intensified drive aims to curb the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
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As per official data, during 2023–24, authorities penalized 7,018 vehicles, lodged 133 FIRs, and recovered ₹19.19 crore in fines. In 2024–25, 6,219 vehicles were fined, 212 FIRs registered, and ₹16.79 crore collected. For the ongoing fiscal year 2025–26 (up to September), 4,569 vehicles have already been penalized, 161 FIRs filed, and ₹10.70 crore realized.
In Kashmir division, Kupwara topped the list this year with 516 vehicles penalized, 43 FIRs lodged, and ₹0.78 crore recovered — the highest enforcement count so far. Baramulla followed with 393 vehicles fined and ₹0.75 crore recovered, while Budgam reported 360 vehicles penalized with ₹0.60 crore collected.
Anantnag reported 334 vehicles seized and ₹0.57 crore recovered, whereas Kulgam led in total fines with ₹1.25 crore collected from 270 vehicles.
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In the Jammu division, Samba emerged as the top-performing district with 470 vehicles penalized and ₹0.67 crore recovered. Kathua followed closely with 445 vehicles fined and ₹2.16 crore collected, while Jammu district reported 317 vehicles penalized and ₹1.24 crore recovered.
Authorities said district-level task forces and flying squads are active across all districts, supported by 22 mineral check posts at key locations to monitor mineral transportation.
To enhance oversight, the department has launched the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS) in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG). This system tracks illegal mining within 500 meters of approved lease boundaries and sends automatic alerts for inspection.
The Minister in charge added that the introduction of digital penalty collection through Point of Sale (POS) machines has significantly reduced revenue leakage. Environmental committees have also been formed at the district level to ensure responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Tags: Jammu and Kashmir mining, illegal mining crackdown, mining surveillance system, BISAG IMSS, J&K fines, mining violations, Kupwara mining, Kulgam mining, Omar Abdullah news, Kashmir latest news