J&K Government Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Mining; Orders Immediate Seizure of Heavy Machinery

SRINAGAR | March 05, 2026 — In a decisive move to protect the environmental integrity of the Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a high-level crackdown on illegal mineral extraction and transportation across all districts.

Director of Geology and Mining, S.P. Rukwal, issued a formal circular mandating that District Mineral Officers and designated committees strictly enforce prohibitions against the unauthorized use of heavy earth-moving machinery.

The directive specifically targets the deployment of hydraulic excavators and “poclain” machines in mining zones where such equipment violates Environmental Clearance conditions or existing statutory provisions. Under the new enforcement protocols, any heavy machinery, vehicles, or equipment found complicit in the illegal extraction or transit of minor minerals will be seized immediately, with legal proceedings initiated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957.

This administrative surge follows a high-level review meeting held on February 27, 2026, and reflects a zero-tolerance policy toward ecological degradation. To ensure transparency and accountability, officials have been instructed to submit daily action-taken reports to their respective Joint Directors, who will then consolidate the data for the Directorate’s review.

The government has made it clear that the order must be implemented in “letter and spirit,” warning that any lapse in enforcement or failure to report violations will result in strict administrative action against the concerned officers.