SRINAGAR, Feb 19: The Government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that a total of 7,473 vehicles were seized across Jammu and Kashmir during the last year in connection with illegal mining activities, while over ₹16.37 crore was recovered as compounding charges from violators. The disclosure came in response to a written query by MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat.
According to official data, 3,139 vehicles were seized in the Jammu division, resulting in recoveries amounting to ₹7,91,42,841. In the Kashmir division, enforcement teams confiscated 4,334 vehicles and realised ₹8,46,02,953 in penalties. The figures underline the scale of the crackdown undertaken by authorities to curb unauthorised extraction and transportation of minor minerals.
District-wise data reflects significant enforcement activity. In Jammu division, Kathua recorded the highest number of seizures at 796 vehicles, followed by Samba with 598 and Jammu district with 505. Other districts included Poonch with 327, Rajouri 245, Udhampur 190, Reasi 251, Doda 52, Ramban 32 and Kishtwar 43.
In the Kashmir division, Ganderbal topped the list with 761 vehicle seizures, followed by Baramulla at 701 and Budgam at 548. Kupwara reported 359 seizures, Srinagar 283, Shopian 172, Bandipora 290, Pulwama 451, Anantnag 473 and Kulgam 498.
The Government further stated that 234 FIRs have been lodged or recommended during the financial year 2025–26 against individuals and entities involved in illegal mining. These cases are currently at various stages of legal proceedings.
To regulate mining operations, the administration has framed the “J&K Minor Mineral Concession Rules” and notified the “J&K Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016” under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. In line with the Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines of 2016 and 2020, the department has identified feasible minor mineral blocks across the Union Territory and conducted e-auctions through District Level Auction Committees.
So far, 204 mining leases of RBM blocks have been granted after the submission of approved mining plans, environmental clearance, consent to operate and other statutory approvals. These leases are intended to ensure the lawful supply of construction materials for infrastructure projects of national and Union Territory importance, as well as for public needs.
Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, the Government has constituted Multi-Departmental District Level Task Forces under Deputy Commissioners. Vigilance-cum-Monitoring Squads have also been established in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Additionally, 22 mineral check posts have been set up at strategic entry and exit points to monitor mineral transportation.
A significant technological intervention has been the launch of an online e-challan and e-marketplace portal on August 24, 2022, enabling sale and purchase of minerals at notified rates. The Government has also developed an Integrated Mining Surveillance System through the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics. This system integrates GPS, RFID tracking and a public grievance portal to detect suspicious activity within 500 metres of mining lease boundaries. So far, the system has generated 144 alerts, which have been forwarded to District Mineral Officers, Senior Superintendents of Police and Deputy Commissioners for verification.
Further tightening compliance norms, the administration issued SO 311 of 2025 on December 5, 2025, mandating that no person, including mining lessees, licence holders, crusher units and brick kiln operators, can transport minerals without GPS-enabled vehicles registered with the department and a valid e-challan bearing a QR code. GST invoices have also been made compulsory for the transportation of both raw and processed minor minerals.
Officials said these combined legal, administrative and technological measures are aimed at curbing illegal mining, protecting riverbeds and natural resources, and ensuring transparency and accountability in mineral extraction and transportation across Jammu and Kashmir.