SRINAGAR: In a joint operation by the Police and Mining Department, 20 vehicles engaged in the unlawful transportation and extraction of minor minerals were apprehended in Poonch District on Sunday.
A heavy excavator was seized at Dingla and temporarily entrusted to a local public representative until higher authorities impose fines. Additionally, two pathways used for illegal mining in Poonch were dismantled.
Furthermore, this collaborative effort, led by the police and Mining Department, resulted in the seizure of one JCB and three tractors at Jhullass, and one JCB, one dumper, and three tractors at Khari. Additionally, two tractors were seized at Seri Khawaja, along with one dumper, five tippers, and two tractors at Surankote.
DMO Poonch, Javed Iqbal, emphasised the importance of stringent enforcement measures to discourage individuals engaged in illegal activities associated with minor minerals.
He urged the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities, ensuring environmental protection, preservation of lives, and a request for vehicle owners to source materials from legal mining blocks to ensure the sustainable use of mineral resources.
