Seize hundreds of vehicles; many arrested; action widely hailed
Srinagar, Dec 08: Jammu & Kashmir Police have intensified the crackdown against illegal mining across the Union Territory, seizing hundreds of trucks, dumpers, tractors and JCB machines over the past several weeks.
Dozens of people involved in the unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals have also been arrested across the Valley.
An official from the Department of Geology and Mining, Jammu and Kashmir, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the sustained enforcement drive comes amid growing concerns over environmental degradation and riverbank erosion caused by unregulated mining, particularly along the Jhelum and its tributaries.
He said the continuous sand and boulder excavation has altered natural flow channels, disturbed aquatic habitats and weakened protective embankments across several districts.
Meanwhile, independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng hailed the ongoing police action, calling it “a much-needed step to protect Kashmir’s fragile river ecosystems”.
“I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the J&K Police and the Government for taking firm action to curb illegal mining, which causes severe damage to our environment and river systems,” Faizan told *KNO. “These mining mafias weaken riverbanks and protective bunds, often leading to breaches that flood entire villages during heavy rainfall. They are a serious menace to society and a direct threat to public safety.”
Faizan further cautioned that with the active weather systems expected in the coming weeks, areas near river channels and canyons could face increased flood threats if illegal extraction continues unchecked. “People must remain vigilant, report such activities and cooperate with authorities. Silence today can lead to disaster tomorrow,” he said.
An environmental activist, Suhaib, termed the drive as “crucial to saving Kashmir’s fragile rivers and wetlands”.
“Unregulated mining not only destroys aquatic habitats but also threatens community safety during heavy rainfall,” he said.
Residents in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts, like in several other areas, echoed similar concerns, saying unchecked mining in the region has already changed river courses and damaged nearby farmland.
“For years, these mining operations went unchecked. Trucks would load boulders from the river even at night. It has weakened the embankments and affected our land,” said a local resident. “We finally see some serious action and hope this drive continues without political interference.”
Environmentalists, locals and weather experts have urged the administration to sustain the ongoing crackdown with the same momentum and ensure long-term monitoring to safeguard Kashmir’s fragile waterways and flood-control infrastructure. They appealed for increased enforcement in areas like Srinagar, where the issue remains widespread. (KNO)
