SRINAGAR: Police in central kashmir’s Budgam district have registered 34 FIRs and arrested 16 people as part of a four-month enforcement drive against illegal mining and the unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals across the district, officials said.
Police have also seized 182 vehicles and heavy machinery allegedly used in illegal mining-related activities during the period.
The seized equipment includes three dumpers, 80 tippers, 82 tractors, six LNT machines and 11 JCBs, according to police.
The cases have been registered at Police Stations Budgam, Chadoora, Magam, Beerwah and Khansahib against persons allegedly involved in illegal mining and related activities.
The enforcement action covered several areas, including Chadoora, Humhama, Khansahib, Hardupanzo, Narbal, Waterhail, Soibugh, Beerwah and Magam.
Police said the drive was conducted in coordination with the concerned departments. Alongside criminal proceedings, the Department of Geology and Mining has imposed fines amounting to lakhs of rupees on violators under applicable laws.
The enforcement drive is aimed at curbing illegal extraction and transportation of minerals and protecting natural resources in the district.
