‎Srinagar, Sep 30 (KNS): A satellite-based surveillance system used by the Jammu and Kashmir Mining Department generated 74 triggers and alerts in Budgam for suspected unauthorised extraction or transportation of minerals, all of which were subsequently subjected to physical verification, the government has told the Legislative Assembly.
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‎The data, provided in response to a Question by Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, showed that the system generated five triggers and 69 alerts in the district up to July 2026. All 74 cases were physically verified, following which penalties amounting to Rs 2.04 lakh were imposed or recovered, the government said.
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‎The Mining Department said it had re-established the Satellite-Based Integrated Mine Surveillance System (IMSS) in collaboration with BISAG-N, under which triggers and alerts are generated in cases of suspected unauthorised extraction and/or transportation of minerals.
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‎These alerts are subsequently subjected to field verification and action is taken under the applicable rules, according to the government reply.
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‎The reply also detailed enforcement action around Sukhnag Nallah, where the department conducted 276 seizures between January 2024 and April 2026.
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‎A penalty of Rs 37.20 lakh was realised from offenders during the period, while 36 FIRs were registered against habitual offenders, the government said.
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‎The action followed directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) concerning alleged illegal extraction from the Sukhnag River. The department said its Action Taken Report had been placed before the tribunal.
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‎In another enforcement drive in the Doodhganga Nallah and Mamath Khul areas, the department said it had registered eight FIRs, seized 104 vehicles, machinery and tools allegedly involved in illegal mining activities and realised Rs 12.61 lakh as compounding amount.
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‎The government said strict vigil was being maintained in and around Doodhganga Nallah to prevent illegal extraction and unauthorised transportation of minor minerals.
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‎The reply said the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), Budgam, had accrued Rs 8,41,05,424 during the six financial years from 2021-22 to 2026-27, up to August 2026.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
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‎The government said details of 48 schemes sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), along with the amounts sanctioned and released, were enclosed with the reply.
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‎The government also outlined the environmental and scientific safeguards governing mining and stone-crushing activities.
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‎It said Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies are essential, particularly for riverbed mining, as such activities, if not properly assessed and regulated, can have environmental, social and economic impacts.
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‎For e-auctioned mineral blocks, project proponents are required to engage NABET-accredited consultants to undertake EIA studies and prepare Environmental Management Plans. These reports are submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (JKEIAA) for appraisal before environmental clearance is granted, wherever considered appropriate.
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‎The department said JKEIAA assesses the potential impact of mining projects on the local environment, hydrology and biodiversity, in accordance with applicable guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and directions of the NGT.
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‎A key scientific component of the regulatory framework is the preparation of District Survey Reports (DSRs) for each district.
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‎The government said annual sediment replenishment studies of rivers and nallahs are undertaken to determine sustainable extraction limits for riverbed mining and assess associated environmental concerns.
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‎The findings of these studies are taken into consideration while granting environmental clearance and are required to be strictly complied with by lease holders.
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‎The department also said mining units are subject to mandatory clearances and no-objection certificates from agencies including the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, concerned Deputy Commissioners and District Industries Centres. Change of Land Use, wherever applicable, is processed by the competent revenue authorities and is a prerequisite for obtaining the required permissions.(KNS)