Srinagar, Mar 05 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered stringent action against illegal mining, directing officials to immediately seize heavy machinery involved in unauthorized extraction and to submit daily reports to the authorities.
An official circular issued by the Director of Geology and Mining, S.P. Rukwal, a copy of which is available with News Agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), stated that all District Mineral Officers and designated committees must strictly enforce regulations. The directive follows a review meeting held on February 27, 2026.
Officials have been specifically instructed to ensure that no heavy earth-moving machinery, including hydraulic excavators (poclains), is deployed for the extraction of minor minerals in violation of Environmental Clearance conditions or other statutory provisions.
“Any heavy machinery, vehicle, or equipment found involved in the illegal extraction or transportation of minerals shall be seized immediately,” the circular stated, adding that action would be initiated under the relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
In a move to ensure strict compliance, the department has mandated a daily reporting system. Officials are required to submit action-taken reports to their respective Joint Directors, who will then consolidate and forward them to the Directorate for submission to higher authorities.
The circular warned that any lapse in enforcement or failure in reporting would invite strict administrative action. The order has come into effect immediately, with the administration calling for its compliance “in letter and spirit.” (KNS)