| Mining mafia: Kupwara, Samba lead in illegal mineral extraction, transportation | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 6: Kupwara in Kashmir and Samba in Jammu division have emerged as hotspots of illegal mineral extraction and transportation across Jammu and Kashmir, according to official data that highlights the scale of the ongoing crackdown on unlawful mining operations in the Union Territory.
Over the past three years, enforcement agencies have penalized 17,806 vehicles involved in illegal mining activities, imposing fines worth ₹46.68 crore and registering 506 FIRs against violators. The figures underscore the administration’s intensified drive to curb the rampant mining mafia operating across the region.
In 2023–24, authorities penalized 7,018 vehicles, filed 133 FIRs, and recovered ₹19.19 crore in fines.
In 2024–25, the number stood at 6,219 vehicles, 212 FIRs, and ₹16.79 crore in penalties.
During the current fiscal year 2025–26 (up to September), enforcement agencies have already penalized 4,569 vehicles, registered 161 FIRs, and recovered ₹10.70 crore in fines.
In Kashmir division, Kupwara topped the list this year with 516 vehicles penalized, 43 FIRs registered, and ₹0.78 crore recovered in fines — the highest enforcement record so far. Baramulla followed with 393 vehicles and ₹0.75 crore in fines, while Budgam reported 360 vehicles penalized and ₹0.60 crore realized.
Anantnag recorded 334 vehicles with ₹0.57 crore recovered, whereas Kulgam stood out with the highest fine amount of ₹1.25 crore, collected from 270 vehicles.
In Jammu division, Samba led the enforcement action with 470 vehicles penalized and ₹0.67 crore recovered. It was closely followed by Kathua, which reported 445 vehicles penalized and ₹2.16 crore collected — the highest fine amount in the division. Jammu district recorded 317 vehicles penalized and ₹1.24 crore realized.
Responding to growing concerns over illegal mining, the government informed the recent Assembly Session that enforcement teams remain active in all districts. Dedicated district-level task forces and flying squads have been constituted, supported by 22 mineral check posts strategically set up at critical transit points to monitor movement and curb violations.
To strengthen surveillance, the department has introduced the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS) in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG). The satellite-based system detects mining activities within 500 meters of approved lease boundaries and automatically generates alerts for field inspection, enabling swift action.
Reports said that the introduction of digital penalty collection through Point of Sale (POS) machines has significantly reduced revenue leakage. Furthermore, environmental monitoring committees at the district level are keeping a close watch to ensure sustainable and responsible extraction of natural resources. |
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