Srinagar, July 1 (KNS): The Mining Department and police on Wednesday seized 11 tractors and a loader machine during a joint crackdown on illegal mining in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district, officials said.
The enforcement operation was carried out in the Gurez area early Wednesday following information about alleged illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.
Officials said teams from the Mining Department and Bandipora Police conducted surprise raids at multiple locations, leading to the seizure of 11 tractors allegedly involved in unauthorised mining activities.
In a separate night operation at S.K. Bala, the teams also seized a loader (LNT) machine that was allegedly being used for illegal mineral extraction.
District Mineral Officer G N Pintoo said the action was initiated after the department received specific inputs about illegal mining activities in the area.
"Based on the information received, we launched a joint operation with Bandipora Police, resulting in the seizure of 11 tractors involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelDuring a subsequent night raid at S.K. Bala, one loader machine engaged in illegal mining was also seized," he said.
Pintoo said legal action has been initiated against the violators under the relevant provisions of law.
He warned that the department would continue its enforcement drives and take strict action against those involved in illegal mining.
Officials said illegal mining poses a threat to river ecosystems, the environment and public infrastructure, adding that sustained action would continue to curb such activities and protect natural resources.
They also appealed to the public to report instances of illegal mining to assist the authorities in enforcing mining regulations effectively.(KNS).