Kashmir’s natural resources under attack? JCBs, heavy machinery among 41 vehicles seized by Police in mining crackdown
Police have seized 41 vehicles and heavy machines across Kashmir in a major crackdown on alleged illegal mining, targeting networks involved in the unauthorised extraction, processing and transportation of minerals across the Kashmir valley. The drive has also uncovered the alleged illegal processing of a huge stock of nallah muck into construction material worth an estimated Rs 1–2 crore at an under-construction site of Government Medical College in Chogal, Handwara, Police said on Monday.
The seizures were reported from Handwara, Awantipora, Baramulla and Shopian, where police teams conducted raids, intercepted vehicles and coordinated with officials of the Mining Department to initiate legal proceedings. In Handwara, a joint inspection at the GMC Chogal construction site found a stock of nallah muck allegedly being processed into sand, bajri and stone dust for unauthorised sale and supply to projects across the Valley.
Police in Handwara seized 3 JCBs, 7 dumpers and 7 Mixer Vehicles taking the total number of seized vehicles seventeen. Under the supervision of SDPO Handwara assisted by IC PP Chogul a raid was conducted at the under-construction site of GMC, Chogal,
During the raid, the police team detected a huge quantity of Nallah muck allegedly dumped and stored illegally at the site by the contractor concerned. When asked to produce the requisite permission and supporting documents to justify the storage and processing of the material, the contractor failed to do so, Police said.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the Executive Magistrate (Tehsildar Handwara) and officials of the Mining Department were called to the spot for a joint inspection. The inspection revealed that the dumped material was allegedly being processed into sand, bajri, stone dust and other construction materials for unauthorized sale and supply to various projects across the Valley.
The entire stock of material was seized and handed over to the Mining Department for assessment, valuation and further necessary legal action. The estimated value of the seized material is reportedly between Rs.1- 2 crore, subject to official assessment.
Acting on credible information, Police in Awantipora launched a major crackdown against illegal mining, seizing 5 heavy L&T machines from Bathen under the jurisdiction of Police Station Khrew and 4 dumpers from Patalbagh and Galander under Police Station Pampore, involved in illegal mining activities.
Police in Baramulla seized 11 vehicles involved in alleged illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in different parts of the district.
During a late-night operation in the Jahama area, Police intercepted and seized six tractors and two tippers allegedly involved in illegal sand extraction. Legal proceedings were initiated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and other relevant provisions of law, Police said.
In a separate joint operation, Police Station Pattan, in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, detained two tractors found involved in illegal mining activities. Legal action was initiated under the relevant provisions of the MMDR Act.
Additionally, at Singhpora, Police seized a tractor bearing registration number JK05C6901, loaded with illegally extracted soil, and initiated legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of law.
Police in Shopian seized three Dumpers and one Platform involved in the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals from different areas of the district.
During routine patrolling police party from Police Post Turkwangam intercepted and seized, three Dumpers allegedly engaged in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid royalty documents. In this connection, FIR No. 134/2026 registered at Police Station Zainapora under relevant provisions of law and investigations have been initiated.
In a similar action, police party from Police Station Heerpora intercepted and seized one Platform involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without mandatory permission. In this regard FIR No. 121/2026 under relevant provisions of law has been registered in Police Station Heerpora and investigation has been initiated.