Aaqib Rasool 

GANDERBAL, July 14: Continuing its sustained campaign against illegal mining and the unauthorised transportation of minerals, Ganderbal Police, in close coordination with the Geology & Mining Department, intercepted 11 trucks carrying illegally extracted sand in two separate operations conducted within the jurisdiction of Police Station Sonamarg over the past three days.

During enforcement drives carried out on July 12 and July 14, police teams intercepted trucks transporting sand without valid authorisation while conducting routine checking based on credible inputs. The matter was immediately referred to the Geology & Mining Department, which verified the violations and initiated legal action under the relevant provisions of law.

In the first operation on July 12, five trucks travelling from Kargil towards Ganderbal were intercepted and found transporting illegally extracted sand. The Geology & Mining Department imposed a fine of ₹17,425 on each vehicle, besides issuing seizure orders as per the applicable rules.

In the latest operation on July 14, six more trucks were intercepted for transporting sand without valid permission. Following verification by the Geology & Mining Department, all six vehicles were penalised under the relevant mining laws.

Ganderbal Police reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting natural resources and preserving the fragile ecological balance of the region. The police said that illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minerals will not be tolerated, and strict legal action will continue against those involved in such unlawful activities through sustained enforcement drives across the district.