IMSS tracks illegal extraction in real time; 22 check posts set up to curb unauthorised mining
Srinagar, Nov 03: The Jammu and Kashmir government in its intensified crackdown on illegal mining, penalizing 17,806 vehicles and machinery in the past three years and recovered fines worth Rs 46.68 crore besides, 506 FIRs were registered against violators for illegal extraction and transportation of minerals across the region.
Official data, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reveals, in 2023–24, authorities penalized 7,018 vehicles, lodged 133 FIRs and realized Rs 19.19 crore in fines.
In 2024–25, 6,219 vehicles were penalized, 212 FIRs filed and Rs 16.79 crore collected. During the current fiscal year 2025–26, up to September, 4,569 vehicles have been penalized, 161 FIRs lodged besides Rs 10.70 crore recovered.
In an ongoing year, Kupwara in Kashmir, topped the list with 516 vehicles penalized, 43 FIRs registered and Rs 0.78 crore recovered, marking the highest enforcement count so far this fiscal. Baramulla followed with 393 vehicles penalized and fines worth Rs 0.75 crore, while Budgam recorded 360 vehicles penalized with Rs 0.60 crore realized.
Similarly, Anantnag reported 334 vehicles seized, recovering Rs 0.57 crore and Kulgam led in total fines with Rs 1.25 crore collected from 270 vehicles.
In the Jammu division, Samba emerged as the top-performing district with 470 vehicles penalized and Rs 0.67 crore recovered. Kathua followed with 445 vehicles penalized and Rs 2.16 crore collected, while Jammu district reported 317 vehicles penalized with Rs 1.24 crore realized.
The department, however, in the recent Assembly Session said enforcement teams are active across all districts. District-level task forces and flying squads have been formed to monitor mineral transportation, supported by 22 mineral check posts at key locations.
To improve oversight, the department has launched an Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS) in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG). The system tracks illegal mining within 500 meters of approved lease boundaries and sends alerts for inspection.
Minister In charge, added that digital penalty collection through Point of Sale (POS) machines has reduced revenue leakage, while environmental committees are monitoring compliance at the district level to ensure responsible mineral extraction. (KNO)
