Srinagar, Aug 5 (KDC): Officials said that in a crack on illegal mining works, officials in Pulwama district have seized large amounts of machinery and vehicles, which have been used in unauthorized extraction of minerals in the last two months.
The district has observed extensive enforcement action against the violations, which includes seizure of more than 25 larger mining (LNTs), dozens of JCB and hundreds of other vehicles engaged in illegal mining activities. So far, punishment and compound fees have exceeded ₹ 2.7 crore, the authorities have confirmed the news agency Kashmir.com in Srinagar.
This revenue excludes pending penalty against machines such as 12 LNTS and 7 JCB which remain unpublished due to ongoing proceedings. In some examples, a fine of more than ₹ 15 lakh has been imposed as part of preventive measures, he said.
Acute drives against illegal mining are part of a strategy aimed at curbing environmental decline and irregular exploitation of natural resources, stating that such operations had become a frequent issue, which was motivated strict action to disintegrate the network involved.
Notorious violations include Lasipora, Pantchowkwak and owner of unlicensed crusher units and illegal mining operators in Wuyan areas.
Sources accused the vested interests of efforts to influence the enforcement process, including pressure from some political quarters.
The administration and police are continuing monitoring and enforcement efforts in the affected areas. Officials have said that the crack will continue and the pending machinery will be released only after the legal and financial penalty is met. (KDC)
