Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 13: The Geology and Mining Department today launched a crackdown against illegal sand extraction in the Letterbal area of district Pulwama’s Pampore.
Officials said the drive, conducted jointly with the Flood Control Department, Police Pampore, and the Revenue Department, was part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
“During the drive, illegal ramps constructed along the Jhelum River to facilitate the movement of tippers and heavy machinery involved in sand extraction were dismantled,” officials said.
The joint team destroyed several such ramps used by sand diggers and warned the illegal miners to desist from the practice, cautioning that stern action would follow any violations.
Authorities said complaints had been received about the sand mafia damaging riverbanks through rampant extraction.
The recent flood situation had further raised concerns, prompting the District Mineral Officer (DMO) to direct the constitution of a multi-departmental task force to tackle the issue, officials said.
“Those involved in such activities must understand that illegal extraction will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against violators,” officials warned.
Meanwhile, police today seized 4 tippers used in in illegal transportation of minerals in Awantipora
Officials said that a police party of Police Station Awantipora seized four tippers bearing registration Numbers JK05A-6634, JK03B-5727, JK03B-5628, JK01AG-5872.
Accordingly, a case vide FIR number 192/2025 under relevant Sections of law has been registered in Police Station Awantipora and further investigation has been initiated, officials said.
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