Baramulla, Dec 20: Authorities on Saturday sealed a stone quarry in Baramulla’s Khanpora area following a massive landslide that struck the locality on Friday evening—triggering panic among the residents.
Officials from the Department of Geology and Mining, accompanied by revenue officials and other concerned departments carried out the sealing operation after an initial probe pointed to illegal quarrying as the cause of the slope’s instability.
A police spokesperson said that Baramulla Police have registered FIR No. 219/2025 in connection with the incident.
“The landslide posed a serious threat to human life and raised apprehensions of damage to public and private property. An investigation has been launched, and those found involved in illegal stone quarrying will be dealt with as per the law,” the spokesperson said.
Officials from the Geology and Mining Department said that no one would be allowed to undertake illegal excavation or mining activities in the area. “Strict action will be taken against violators. These activities endanger both the environment and human safety.”
Locals said that the landslide triggered massive dust clouds that engulfed the area, sowing panic and raising serious health alarms among residents.
“We urge the district administration to take immediate steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The air is filled with dust and breathing has become difficult,” said a local resident—(KNO)
