SAMBA, May 20 -- Department of Geology and Mining Jammu and Kashmir intensified its drive against illegal mining in Samba district, seizing and compounding 65 vehicles during enforcement operations conducted in April and May, officials said on Wednesday.
According to the department, penalties amounting to ?4.27 lakh were imposed on violators found involved in unauthorized extraction and transportation of mining material from different areas of the district, particularly along the Basantar River.
Officials stated that surprise inspections and night-time raids were carried out in upper and downstream stretches of the river to check illegal mining activities.
They added that mining operations are being permitted only in approved blocks allo...