Action against Illegal mining initiated in Chadoora

Budgam, Jun 27:  Acting swiftly on reports of illegal mining, the Geology and Mining Department Budgam seized a hydraulic excavator and registered a case in Police Station Chadoora after fresh excavation activity was spotted at Nagam- Chadoora.

The action followed the circulation of photos and videos on social media platform ‘X’ by activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat, highlighting the presence of heavy machinery at an excavation site in Hayatpora Chadoora.

“Information regarding excavation at Nagam was received during the intervening night of 26 and 27 June 2025 and a team of officials was immediately deployed to take cognizance of the complaints. During inspection, the team found two hydraulic excavators present on a site at Nagam Chadoora. One of these excavators had fallen down from a cliff and had turned turtle,” reads a part of order by the concern department.

The order further noted that fresh excavation marks were visible at the site.

“The second excavator was seized vide seizure memo No. 18426 dated 27.06.2025 and was driven to PS Chadoora for retention till its release.” Officials confirmed that the second excavator, which was lying in a non-working condition after overturning from a cliff, could not be seized for lack of safe custody arrangements. Meanwhile an FIR No. 114/2025 was registered at PS Chadoora against those involved in illegal mining activities.

and for obstructing government officials from performing their duties. The matter has also been communicated to the Joint Director, Geology and Mining Department, Srinagar for further action