SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has not procured or deployed drones in Budgam for monitoring illegal mining, despite using a satellite-based surveillance system that generated 74 alerts regarding suspected unauthorised mineral extraction or transportation, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Wednesday.
In a written reply to an unstarred question by Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, the Mining Department said an Integrated Mine Surveillance System (IMSS), established in collaboration with BISAG-N, generates satellite-based triggers and alerts which are subsequently verified on the ground.
Of the 74 triggers/alerts generated in Budgam up to July 2026, all 74 were physically verified, with penalties totalling Rs 2.04 lakh imposed or recovered in cases where violations were established. The department, however, said deployment or procurement of drones had not been initiated in the district.
The reply also disclosed that the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), Budgam, received Rs 8.41 crore during the six financial years from 2021-22 to 2026-27, up to August 2026. The government said schemes sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), along with their sanctioned and released amounts, had been provided separately in an annexure.
On illegal mining along the Sukhnag Nallah, the department said it was aware of the findings and directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and had placed an Action Taken Report before the tribunal.
Between January 2024 and April 2026, the department conducted 276 seizures in and around Sukhnag Nallah, recovering Rs 37.20 lakh in penalties. It also registered 36 FIRs against habitual offenders during the period.
Regarding the NGT’s directions in the case concerning illegal mining and sewage discharge in the Doodhganga and Mamath Khul areas, the department said Rs 1 crore had been deposited with the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, for restoration works.
Seven restoration projects were subsequently identified and executed through the Flood Control Department in Doodhganga Nallah and Mamath Khul, and all seven have been completed, according to the reply.
The Mining Department further reported eight FIRs, seizure of 104 vehicles, machinery and tools, and recovery of Rs 12.61 lakh in compounding amounts in connection with illegal mining in the Doodhganga Nallah area since 2022-23.
On environmental assessments of mining and stone-crushing activities near residential areas, the government said the Mining Department’s mandate covers regulation of minor-mineral extraction, while stone-crushing units are subject to clearances and permissions from agencies including the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, the concerned Deputy Commissioner and the District Industries Centre.
It said environmental clearance is a statutory requirement for mining leases for major and minor minerals, subject to prescribed exemptions, and that Environmental Impact Assessment studies form part of the process for obtaining such clearance.
The government said project proponents engage NABET-accredited consultants to prepare EIA studies and Environment Management Plans, which are assessed by the Jammu and Kashmir Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (JKEIAA). The assessment includes potential impacts on local environment, hydrology and biodiversity.
It also said District Survey Reports are prepared for each district and annual sediment replenishment studies are undertaken for rivers and nallahs to determine sustainable extraction limits for riverbed mining.
