Illegal sand dump seized in Handwara, action initiated

Kupwara, May 20: In a swift crackdown on illegal mining, authorities in Handwara on Tuesday seized a large quantity of illegally dumped sand and gravel in Bakhiakher village of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

The operation was led by Tehsildar Handwara, Zeeshan Khan, and conducted under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Handwara, Javed Masoodi. It followed specific directions from Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, and credible inputs from local sources.

“Acting on reliable information, we launched a joint operation and discovered illegally dumped sand and other minerals. These were immediately seized,” said  Khan while speaking to the media.

The seized materials have been handed over to the District Mineral Officer (DMO) Kupwara, who has initiated legal proceedings against the violators.

Residents have welcomed the action, calling it a much-needed step toward curbing the unregulated extraction and plunder of natural resources. They expressed hope that the administration would continue such enforcement drives to ensure accountability and protection of the region’s mineral wealth.