SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has reported that 209 riverbed mining leases are currently operational across the Union Territory and that more than Rs 82 crore has been realised as revenue over the past two financial years, even as several contractors have been penalised for excessive extraction, illegal mining and environmental violations in different districts.
The figures were disclosed by the Mining Department in the Legislative Assembly in reply to a question regarding the grant of mining rights in rivers and nallahs, particularly with reference to Anantnag West constituency, along with details of revenue, welfare spending and action against violators.
According to the department, a total of 209 mining leases for extraction of riverbed material have been granted for a period of five years across Jammu and Kashmir. These leases were allotted strictly under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the J&K Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016. Officials said the leases were issued only after approval of mining plans, environmental clearances, consent to operate and other statutory requirements.
The government stated that mining continues to be monitored regularly by field staff to ensure that extraction remains within permissible limits laid down in the approved plans and environmental norms.
In terms of revenue, the department said that Rs 49 crore was realised during the financial year 2024–25. In the current financial year 2025–26, up to December, an additional Rs 33.68 crore has been collected. Together, this takes the total revenue from riverbed mining to about Rs 82.6 crore over the last 18 months.
In Anantnag district, which includes the Anantnag West constituency, the revenue realised stood at Rs 25.66 lakh in 2024–25 and Rs 20.61 lakh during the ongoing financial year up to December.
The government also detailed expenditure under the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), which funds welfare and development works in mining-affected areas under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana. During 2024–25, Rs 5.11 crore was spent across districts, while Rs 2.26 crore has been spent so far in 2025–26.
Among the districts, Anantnag received Rs 61.38 lakh last year and Rs 68.4 lakh this year. Kulgam saw expenditure of Rs 65.52 lakh, while Shopian received Rs 27.65 lakh last year and Rs 1.79 lakh this year. Pulwama recorded spending of Rs 20.15 lakh. Srinagar received Rs 85.44 lakh last year and Rs 77.7 lakh this year. Jammu accounted for Rs 1.36 crore last year and Rs 8 lakh this year, while Kathua received Rs 51 lakh and Rs 21 lakh respectively. Smaller allocations were reported in Kupwara, Poonch, Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar as well.
The department said District Mineral Foundations, headed by Deputy Commissioners, prepare annual action plans and approve projects aimed at improving infrastructure and living conditions in mining-affected areas.
On enforcement, the government acknowledged that penalties have been imposed on several lease holders for violations such as excessive digging, extraction beyond approved quantities and environmental damage.
In Jammu district, fines were imposed on multiple contractors. Sushil Kumar was penalised Rs 16.35 lakh, Rahil Choudhary Rs 11.27 lakh and Sahil Choudhary Rs 6.54 lakh for excessive extraction. Harish Kumar and Amril Veer Sharma were fined Rs 3.48 lakh and Rs 3.46 lakh respectively, while M/s Agarwal Mines was penalised Rs 2.45 lakh. The highest penalty in the district, Rs 21.96 lakh, was imposed on M/s Kesri Nandan Mines.
In Samba district, Mahavir Mining was fined Rs 3.12 lakh and Ramesh Chander Kapoor Rs 1 lakh for illegal extraction and environmental violations. In Budgam, Danish Yousuf was penalised Rs 7.46 lakh, while in Pulwama, Mohd Yousuf Mir of Dounghama was fined Rs 9.02 lakh.
The department said that any violation detected during inspections is dealt with under the existing legal framework and penalties are imposed as per rules.
It further stated that no major damage to roads, bridges or water bodies has been directly attributed to mining operations. However, some erosion of riverbanks and infrastructure damage has occurred due to flash floods, torrential rains and cloudbursts, which it described as natural causes.
The government maintained that mining activities are being regulated closely and that revenue generated from the sector is being channelled into local development through the District Mineral Foundation mechanism.
