DMO Shopian acts tough against Illegal Mining

Substantial Penalty of Rs.9.08 lac recovered, 57 vehicles seized during July month

SHOPIAN, JULY 29: In a bid to combat the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals across the district, the Mining Department authorities Shopian have intensified their efforts and seized a number of vehicles involved in illegal operation and imposed a penalty on the guilty.

Under the vigilant oversight of the District Administration led by DM Shopian and support of Senior Superintendent of Police Shopian and the active involvement of Station House Officers and the field staff of the District Mineral Office, a series of raids were conducted across the district during the month of July.

As a result of these coordinated operations, a total of 57 vehicles, including two JCBs, were seized, which were involved in illegal mining. The seized vehicles have been handed over to the respective police stations, and a substantial penalty of Rs. 9,08,524 has been recovered from the violators.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, three FIRs have been lodged against habitual offenders, emphasizing the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining activities.

The DMO Shopian has strongly advised people involved in illegal Mining activities to stop engaging in any form of illegal mining or transportation of minerals henceforth.

Those found in violation will face stringent actions as per the MMRD Act of 1957 and SRO 105 of 2016, he added.