Illegal mining spreads to remote Ladakh border areas, 3 JCBs, 7 tippers seized

Illegal mining, long a concern in Kashmir and Jammu, has now surfaced in the sensitive border regions of Ladakh near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Acting against the menace, authorities in Durbuk launched a major enforcement drive, seizing three JCB machines and seven tippers allegedly involved in unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals.

The sand and mineral mafia has not spared even the ecologically fragile and strategically sensitive areas near the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC) that are no more immune to illegal mining.

In a decisive move to curb illegal mining activities and ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Durbuk, in coordination with the Deputy Director Mining, Ladakh, conducted a major enforcement drive across the sub-division.

During the operation, authorities seized 03 JCB machines and 07 transport tippers that were found operating without valid minor mineral transit passes. The action was taken to prevent unauthorized extraction and transportation of mineral resources.

The enforcement team also imposed substantial financial penalties on the violators based on the quantity of illegally extracted material, reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance approach towards illegal mining.

Additionally, strict warnings were issued to local contractors and commercial operators, directing them to adhere to all mining regulations and environmental protection guidelines. The administration emphasized that any future violations will invite stringent legal action.

The SDM Durbuk reiterated the administration’s commitment to safeguarding natural resources, maintaining ecological balance, and ensuring that all mining activities within the sub-division are carried out in accordance with the law.