Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Oct 4 (KNS) : In one of the strictest enforcement drives against illegal mining in recent times, the Bandipora Mining Department, in coordination with Bandipora Police, carried out an extensive crackdown between October 2 and October 4 across multiple areas of the district.
Under the supervision of the newly posted District Mineral Officer (DMO), authorities seized a total of 26 vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals and recovered Rs 2,44,235 in fines through POS machines to ensure complete transparency.
In the Sumbal, Hajin, and Shadipora areas, a joint enforcement team seized 14 vehicles, which included seven tippers, one dumper, five Tata Mobiles, and one tractor. Of these, four tippers were released after compounding fines totalling Rs 48,872, while one dumper was released against a fine of Rs 13,082. Two tippers were compounded for Rs 45,642, and one Tata Mobile was released after payment of Rs 12,275.
Another tractor was compounded at Rs 11,353. One tipper was found to be a third-time violator, while four Tata Mobiles remain pending for higher-level approval.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe total fine recovered by this team stood at Rs 1,31,224.
Similarly, in Bandipora town and adjoining locations, the enforcement squad seized 12 vehicles, including nine tractors and three tippers. Seven of these tractors were released after a compounding fine of Rs 77,510, while the three tippers fetched fines amounting to Rs 35,501.
One tractor was identified as a third-time offender, and another tractor is pending approval for further action. The total amount collected from this team was Rs 1,13,011.
Residents have widely welcomed the crackdown, stating that illegal mining has long been damaging riverbeds, water bodies, and local infrastructure.
Locals also praised the proactive approach of the new DMO, whose close coordination with law enforcement has sent a clear warning to habitual offenders that illegal mineral extraction will not be tolerated.
Officials said that the drive will continue in the coming days until the menace of illegal mining is completely curbed in the district.(KNS)