The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Mar 5 — The Biz Reporter:
The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a circular directing strict enforcement against illegal extraction and transportation of minerals across the Union Territory, warning that heavy machinery involved in such activities will be seized immediately.
According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Geology and Mining, authorities have been instructed to ensure that no heavy earth-moving machinery, including hydraulic excavators (poclains), is deployed for extraction of minor minerals in violation of environmental clearance conditions or statutory provisions.
The directive follows instructions issued during a review meeting held on February 27, 2026, aimed at regulating scientific exploitation of minerals in accordance with environmental clearances granted by the J&K Environment Impact Assessment Authority (JKEIAA).
The circular states that any heavy machinery, vehicle, or equipment found involved in illegal extraction or transportation of minerals will be seized forthwith, and legal action will be initiated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, along with other applicable rules.
District Mineral Officers and designated committees have been directed to closely monitor mining activities and submit daily action taken reports to their respective Joint Directors.
The Joint Directors will consolidate these reports and forward them to the Directorate on a daily basis for onward submission to the competent authorities.
The circular further warns that any lapse in enforcement or reporting will invite strict administrative action under the rules.
Issued by Director Geology and Mining J&K, S.P. Rukwal, the order came into force with immediate effect and must be complied with “in letter and spirit.”
