Police step up crackdown on illegal mineral extraction in Pulwama

Pulwama, Nov 11: Authorities in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have intensified their crackdown on illegal mining, seizing several vehicles involved in the extraction and transportation of minerals, officials said.

Acting on specific inputs, police teams intercepted two tippers — registration numbers JK04B 3749 and JK03B 8076 — at Wanpora and found them carrying illegally mined material. Both vehicles were seized on the spot, and a case under FIR No. 268/2025 has been registered at Pulwama Police Station, police said.

In a separate operation, another dumper loaded with boulders was intercepted at Khamry Crossing in Rajpora. The vehicle, bearing registration number JK04G 7769, was also seized. A separate case under FIR No. 116/2025 has been filed at Rajpora Police Station, and further investigation is underway.

Police officials said the drive is part of a sustained campaign to curb the illegal extraction of sand, boulders, and other minerals from riverbeds and streams across the district. “Strict action will continue against those involved in such activities,” an officer said.

Residents expressed concern over the ecological impact of illegal mining, saying it not only causes revenue losses to the government but also leads to environmental degradation, including erosion of riverbanks and damage to aquatic habitats.

“The authorities should continue to act tough against those who plunder public resources for personal gain,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a resident. Police have urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report any illegal mining activity to the nearest police station.

The Pulwama Police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the region’s natural resources and dismantling networks involved in illicit mineral trade.