JAMMU: Illegal mining in Jammu and Kashmir has not resulted in losses to the state exchequer, but instead, revenue from mining activities has increased over the past three years, the government has stated. According to official figures, revenue from mining stood at Rs 101.17 crore in 2022-23, rising to Rs 175.47 crore in 2023-24. Up to January 2025, revenue for the current financial year stood at Rs 118.80 crore. Additionally, penalties collected from violations have also increased, with Rs 16.34 crore realised in 2022-23, Rs 19.20 crore in 2023-24, and Rs 14.71 crore up to January 2025.
Pic: Raja Muzaffar Bhat
In addition to penalties, authorities have seized a significant number of vehicles and machinery involved in illegal mining. In 2022-23, 6,909 vehicles and machines were confiscated, while the figure rose to 7,018 in 2023-24. Up to January 2025, a total of 5,053 seizures had been recorded.
The government provided this information in response to a query tabled by Dr S Bashir Ahmad Veeri in the Legislative Assembly. It denied that illegal mining was taking place unchecked, asserting that multiple measures have been taken to curb such activities.
A Multi-Departmental District Level Task Force Cell was constituted in 2018 under the chairmanship of the concerned Deputy Commissioner to monitor and prevent illegal mining. Additionally, a Vigilance cum Monitoring Flying Squad was set up in August 2024 to strengthen enforcement efforts in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The government has also established 22 mineral check posts at various entry and exit points to monitor the transportation of minerals.
To regulate mining activities and ensure transparency, an online web portal for e-Challan and e-Marketplace services was launched in August 2022, allowing the sale and purchase of minerals at notified rates. Furthermore, District Level Environmental Committees were constituted in 2019 to enforce environmental norms and implement conservation measures.
Regarding concerns about the impact of mining on the aquatic ecosystem, the government stated that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) had already constituted an Expert Appraisal Committee for Jammu and Kashmir in February 2024. This committee comprises subject matter specialists from fisheries, irrigation and flood control, environment, and geology.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also taken cognisance of illegal mining activities, particularly in Rajouri district. In April 2022, the tribunal ordered remedial action, directing a joint committee led by former J&K High Court judge Justice Janak Raj Kotwal to investigate. The committee included representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board, the State Pollution Control Board, and the district administration. The NGT had imposed an interim compensation of Rs 7 crore on alleged offenders, but this order was stayed by the Supreme Court in December 2022.
The government maintains that strict measures are in place to curb illegal mining and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. However, it continues to face challenges in enforcement due to the scale of operations and the involvement of private entities in the sector.
