Baramulla, July 15, KNT: Police on Wednesday launched a major crackdown on illegal sand mining along the River Jhelum in Baramulla district, seizing 10 boats and several pieces of equipment allegedly being used for unauthorized extraction of riverbed material.
The operation was carried out in the Jetty–Jhuhama–Chakloo belt, where police raided multiple locations following inputs about illegal mining activities.
During the drive, police seized 10 boats, four water pumps, two dredgers and one boat pusher allegedly used in the extraction and transportation of sand from the river.
Officials said legal proceedings have been initiated against those found involved in the illegal mining operation.
Illegal extraction of sand and other riverbed material has remained a major environmental concern in several parts of Kashmir, with authorities periodically conducting enforcement drives to curb the practice and prevent damage to river ecosystems. [KNT]
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