Tarigami led committee on environment calls for zero tolerance against illegal mining in J&K

Chairman Committee on Environment J&K Legislative Assembly, M Y Tarigami, today chaired a detailed review meeting of the Geology and Mining Department and called for zero tolerance against illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by the Committee members including MLAs Professor Gharu Ram, Dr. Baldev Raj Sharma, Daleep Singh, Showkat Hussain Ganie, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Salman Sagar, Javaid Riyaz (Bedar) and Dr. Rameshwar Singh.

Tarigami said that natural resources belong to the people and their indiscriminate exploitation would not be allowed. He stressed that the department must move from paper monitoring to ground and satellite monitoring to ensure scientific and transparent extraction of minerals. Technology, especially satellite surveillance, GPS tracking and digital monitoring has to become our first line of defense against illegal mining,” asserted the Chairman.

Reviewing the agenda, the Committee took stock of the Action Taken Report on recommendations tabled in Budget Session 2026 and the status of Comprehensive Minor Mining Policy-2026.

On behalf of all Committee members, the MLAs jointly urged the officers to ensure strict enforcement of mining laws, curb illegal extraction, expedite technology-based monitoring including GPS tracking, e-permits, e-challans and the Unified Mining Portal. They stressed that inter-departmental coordination with Revenue, Police, Forest and district administrations must be strengthened to safeguard the environment and maximize revenue for the UT.

Additional Chief Secretary Geology and Mining, Ashwani Kumar, Chairman J&K PCC, Director Geology & Mining, District Mining officers  and  officers of Legislative Assembly were present in the meeting.