Kupwara seizes 1,050 vehicles, recovers Rs 1.41 crore in mining crackdown in 2025-26

Jahangir Lolabi

Kupwara: The Mining Department in Kupwara has reported a major enforcement push during the financial year 2025 to 26, highlighting intensified action against illegal mining and stricter regulatory oversight across the district.

According to official data, a total of 162 disposal permits were issued during the year, including 49 under the general category, 39 through agencies, and 79 to private individuals, indicating continued regulated mining activity.

In one of the most significant crackdowns in Jammu and Kashmir, enforcement teams seized 1,050 vehicles and registered 65 FIRs against violators. The department also recovered Rs 1.41 crore in penalties and generated around Rs 4 crore in revenue, despite no e-auctions being conducted during the period.

Officials said additional action was taken against noise related and other emerging violations, with multiple seizures carried out. Two cases involved impounded properties, while two others were linked to hardware and property related violations, reflecting closer monitoring of illegal practices.

The department said it has ensured adequate availability of construction material to support public demand, particularly for major infrastructure works such as the National Highway 44, despite non-operation of e-auctioned blocks in the district during the period. Authorities said efforts are being made to maintain a balance between strict enforcement and uninterrupted supply of legally sourced material.

District Mining Officer Mumtaz Ahmed said the department remains committed to transparency and enforcement, warning that strict legal action, including seizures, penalties, and FIRs, will continue against those involved in illegal extraction or transportation.

He urged stakeholders to adhere to legal mining practices and called on the public to report violations, stressing the need for collective responsibility to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable development.