UDHAMPUR, January 28, 2026 — Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai chaired a high-level meeting of the multi-departmental District-Level Task Force Cell today to strengthen enforcement protocols against illegal mining activities across Udhampur.
During the session, Rai conducted a comprehensive review of existing regulatory challenges and emphasized the critical need for strict compliance with both mining laws and environmental standards. Adopting a policy of zero tolerance, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to move beyond reactive measures and take a proactive stance in identifying unauthorized mineral extraction sites.
To ensure a significant deterrent against future infractions, she ordered stringent legal and punitive actions against all violators, highlighting that the protection of local natural resources is a top administrative priority.
In a major technological shift to curb unauthorized transportation, the Deputy Commissioner issued a mandatory directive for the installation of GPS devices in all vehicles engaged in the transport of minerals. This initiative aims to enable real-time tracking of mineral movement throughout the district, effectively plugging loopholes used for illegal transit.
Rai urged officers to maintain a vigilant surveillance network and foster better inter-departmental coordination to close in on illegal operators.
By integrating modern tracking technology with rigorous ground-level enforcement, the Udhampur administration is moving toward a more transparent and controlled mining ecosystem that prioritizes environmental preservation and legal accountability.
