Baramulla Police seize 14 vehicles in illegal mining crackdown
Synopsis
Baramulla Police seized 14 vehicles — dumpers, tippers, and tractors — in a single-day crackdown on illegal mineral extraction across J&K's Baramulla district. With an FIR filed against two identified drivers and action initiated under the Mines and Minerals Act, the operation signals an intensifying enforcement push against a trade that is quietly eroding J&K's riverbeds and threatening critical infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
Baramulla Police seized 14 vehicles — five dumpers, six tippers, and two tractors — in a crackdown on illegal mining on Tuesday .
Operations were conducted at Babateng (Pattan) , Nawan Mode (Kreeri tehsil) , and Kunzer .
An FIR was registered at Kunzer Police Station against drivers Suhail Ahmad Pandith and Danish Ahmad for illegally extracting boulders from Ferozpora Nallah .
Action has been initiated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act against all violators.
Illegal mining in J&K primarily targets riverbeds of the Jhelum , Tawi , Ravi , and Chenab , causing erosion and ecological damage.
Baramulla Police on Tuesday seized 14 vehicles — including dumpers, tippers, and tractors — during a sweeping crackdown on illegal mining and unauthorised mineral transportation across Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir. The enforcement drive targeted the extraction and movement of sand, gravel, and boulders without valid permits.
Key Enforcement Actions
During naka checking near Babateng in Pattan town, police intercepted and seized five dumpers and four tippers carrying sand and gravel without authorisation. In a separate operation near Nawan Mode in Kreeri tehsil, one dumper and two tippers transporting mineral material without requisite permission were also seized. Authorities have initiated action under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act against all violators.
FIR Registered at Kunzer Police Station
During routine patrolling near Public Park Kunzer, a police party from Kunzer Police Station intercepted two tractors bearing registration numbers JK04H-2519 and JK01-33701, loaded with boulders allegedly extracted illegally from Ferozpora Nallah at Hardbani. The drivers, identified as Suhail Ahmad Pandith and Danish Ahmad, failed to produce any valid authorisation for extraction or transportation. An FIR has been registered at Kunzer Police Station under relevant sections of law, and both tractors along with the seized boulders are now under investigation.
Why Illegal Mining Is a Serious Concern in J&K
Mining of minor minerals — sand, stones, gravel, and boulders — is tightly regulated across Jammu and Kashmir, with only those holding legally valid tenders permitted to carry out excavation. Illegal extraction predominantly targets major riverbeds, including the Jhelum, Tawi, Ravi, and Chenab rivers, causing severe bank erosion, lowered water tables, and damage to aquatic habitats. Notably, illegal digging frequently occurs dangerously close to critical infrastructure such as bridges, compounding public safety risks. Operators often exploit night-time hours to evade routine inspections.
Administration's Zero-Tolerance Stance
The Union Territory administration maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining operations. Baramulla Police stated it remains committed to curbing such activities and urged the public to cooperate in protecting natural resources and maintaining environmental balance. This crackdown is part of a sustained enforcement drive rather than a one-off operation, signalling continued pressure on illegal operators across the district.
Point of View
Not a solution to it. Illegal sand and gravel mining in J&K's riverbeds has persisted for years because the economics are compelling — low capital, high margins, and historically light penalties. Registering FIRs against truck drivers addresses the bottom of the supply chain while leaving the organising networks untouched. The real accountability question is whether the Mines and Minerals Act is being used against the permit-holders and financiers behind these operations, not just the drivers. Until enforcement travels up the chain, crackdowns will remain headline events rather than deterrents.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vehicles were seized in the Baramulla illegal mining crackdown?
Baramulla Police seized 14 vehicles in total — five dumpers, six tippers, and two tractors — during enforcement operations across multiple locations in the district on Tuesday. The vehicles were carrying sand, gravel, and boulders without valid authorisation.
Where did the Baramulla Police conduct the mining crackdown?
Enforcement actions were carried out at three locations: near Babateng in Pattan town, near Nawan Mode in Kreeri tehsil, and near Public Park Kunzer. The Kunzer operation also led to the registration of an FIR for illegal extraction from Ferozpora Nallah.
Who were the drivers arrested or identified in the Kunzer operation?
The two drivers intercepted near Public Park Kunzer were identified as Suhail Ahmad Pandith and Danish Ahmad. Both failed to produce valid authorisation for the extraction or transportation of boulders, and an FIR has been registered against them at Kunzer Police Station.
Under which law has action been taken against illegal miners in Baramulla?
Action has been initiated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act against violators. An FIR has also been registered at Kunzer Police Station under relevant sections of law for the tractor seizure case.
Why is illegal mining a major problem in Jammu and Kashmir?
Illegal extraction of minor minerals — sand, gravel, and boulders — from J&K's riverbeds causes severe ecological damage, including bank erosion, lowered water tables, and destruction of aquatic habitats. Operators frequently work at night to avoid inspections, and digging often occurs close to bridges and other critical infrastructure.
