SRINAGAR: Authorities in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have intensified operations against illegal mining, leading to the seizure of heavy machinery and the registration of multiple cases. The crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to protect natural resources and prevent environmental damage in the region.
The Chenab Times has learned that the Pulwama police conducted two separate operations in recent days to curb unauthorized extraction activities. In the first instance, a police party from Police Post Newa, while on routine patrol in the Rabitar area, discovered an excavator actively engaged in illegal clay extraction. The machinery was promptly seized on the spot. Officials confirmed that First Information Report (FIR) No. 81/2026 has been registered at Police Station Pulwama under the relevant sections of law, and further investigations are underway.
In a subsequent operation, the police station at Litter took action against a JCB machine involved in illegal mining in the Rambiara Nala. This operation resulted in the registration of FIR No. 58/2026 under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Prevention of Public Property Damage (PPD) Act. These legal actions underscore the commitment of law enforcement agencies to address the persistent issue of illegal mining that poses a threat to the region’s ecological balance.
Police officials stated that these operations are integral to a broader, intensified drive against illicit mining activities across the entire district. The primary objective of this sustained effort is to safeguard the district’s natural resources and mitigate the environmental degradation caused by unregulated extraction. The authorities have emphasized that strict enforcement will continue against all individuals and entities involved in unauthorized extraction operations.
In parallel with these enforcement actions, the authorities have appealed to the public for cooperation. Citizens are urged to assist law enforcement agencies in their efforts to protect ecological balance and preserve public resources. The continuous vigilance and proactive measures are aimed at ensuring sustainable management of natural wealth and preventing the adverse impacts of illegal mining, which can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction.
The district administration remains committed to upholding environmental regulations and ensuring that all mining activities adhere to legal provisions and environmental guidelines. This approach aims to foster responsible resource utilization and protect the unique natural landscape of South Kashmir for future generations. The ongoing drive reflects a concerted effort by the local administration to address environmental concerns and maintain the ecological integrity of the region.
The Chenab Times News Desk