Jammu, Feb 27: The Jammu and Kashmir government has cancelled all Mineral Dealer Licenses (MDLs) with immediate effect as part of a major drive to eliminate illegal mining activities across the Union Territory.
The Chenab Times has learned that Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary made the announcement while addressing reporters in Jammu on Friday. He stated that the move aims to end the misuse of the previous licensing system, which had facilitated unauthorised disposal of minerals. Chowdhary emphasised that the government is adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal extraction of minerals and the diversion of natural water bodies, which have caused significant environmental harm in several areas.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted specific concerns from his recent visit to Khundwal in Jammu district, where mining operations had reportedly led to the diversion of a dam, resulting in flooding in nearby localities. He described the situations in Khundwal and Belicharana as particularly alarming, warning that continued illegal activities could lead to severe destruction in downstream areas, including Chatha and adjoining neighbourhoods. Chowdhary stressed the need for immediate cessation of such practices to safeguard communities and infrastructure.
To enforce stricter controls on transportation, Chowdhary directed that no vehicle will be permitted to leave crusher units without a valid “Parchi” issued through the Mining Department’s authorised system. He made it clear that any transportation of minerals without proper documentation would face strict action, including seizure of vehicles.
Furthermore, the government has mandated the installation of GPS devices on all vehicles involved in mining operations or operating at crusher units, including dumpers. “No vehicle will be allowed to operate without GPS tracking,” Chowdhary asserted. This measure, combined with satellite monitoring of vehicle movements, is intended to verify authorised extraction, detect violations in real time, and prevent diversion or overuse of resources.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced directions to review all Stone Tipper Permits (STPs), with provisions for their cancellation if irregularities are found. He reiterated that no company vehicle or crusher unit vehicle would be permitted to function without GPS installation and proper authorisation.
These reforms come amid the government’s broader commitment to transparency and accountability in the mining sector. Officials have been instructed to ensure compliance, with warnings that negligent enforcement would not be tolerated. The announcements follow recent inspections and actions in Jammu, including directives for FIRs against violators in riverbed areas.
The Chenab Times News Desk