Jammu, March 25: The District Mineral Office (DMO) Jammu has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, detecting major violations during inspections of stone crusher units in the Gharota area. Officials said large quantities of unaccounted minor minerals—including crushed bajri, sand, dust, and nallah muck—were found stored without proper authorization.
Several units, including M/S DPS Stone Crusher, M/S Sharma Stone Crusher, M/S K.N. Stone Crusher, and M/S Shiva Stone Crusher, were found violating the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Rules, 2016 (SRO-105). “Unaccounted mineral stock and lack of proper documentation were observed during inspections. These are clear violations of the rules,” a DMO official said.
The department has issued penalty notices amounting to hundreds of thousands of rupees and directed the operators to deposit the fines within seven days. Officials warned that failure to comply would invite strict action under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, including suspension of operations and seizure of materials. “Non-compliance will lead to strict action as per law,” the official added.
The action is part of an ongoing DMO Jammu crackdown to curb illegal mining and enforce minor mineral rules compliance across the district. Authorities said illegal extraction and storage of minerals pose serious environmental risks, particularly to riverbeds and local ecosystems, while also causing revenue losses.
Reiterating the need for compliance, officials urged operators to maintain proper records and adhere to regulations. “Transparency in sourcing and storage is essential for lawful and sustainable mining practices,” the official said, adding that similar inspections will continue as part of a zero-tolerance approach toward violations.
