Kupwara,Jul,18: In a sustained effort to curb illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of minor minerals, the Geology and Mining Department, Kupwara, has intensified its enforcement drive across the district. As part of the campaign, the District Mineral Officer (DMO), accompanied by field officials, conducted an extensive inspection tour on July 16, covering Bohipora, Khumreyal (Lolab), Thayan, Kalarooch and Machil.

During the inspection at Bohipora, officials intercepted two tippers transporting minor minerals without valid e-challans. The vehicles were penalized on the spot through the Point of Sale (POS) system, resulting in the recovery of ₹39,078 as compounding charges, royalty and other applicable dues.

At Izgund in Khumreyal, the inspection team seized a tractor allegedly involved in illegal mining activities. A formal seizure memo was issued, and further legal action has been initiated under the relevant provisions of the mining laws.

The enforcement drive continued at Sarkuli in Kalarooch, where another tipper carrying minor minerals without a valid e-challan was intercepted. The department imposed a penalty of ₹19,539 along with other applicable charges.

Later in the evening, at around 8:30 PM, the Geology and Mining Department, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, carried out a joint checking operation at Bridge Kawari in Handwara. During the operation, two sand-laden tippers were found transporting material using underweight e-challans. Officials recovered ₹6,360 towards royalty and other applicable charges.

In total, the department recovered ₹64,977 during the day-long enforcement drive. The recovered amount has been deposited into DMO Account No. 0141, officials confirmed.

The District Mineral Officer reiterated the department's commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring strict compliance with mining regulations.

Officials warned that illegal extraction and unauthorized transportation of minor minerals would not be tolerated and that surprise inspections and enforcement drives would continue across vulnerable areas of Kupwara district.

The ongoing crackdown reflects the department's resolve to promote lawful mining practices, safeguard environmental resources and prevent revenue losses to the government through strict monitoring and enforcement measures.