Early Times Report
SAMBA, Feb 13: In a sustained and aggressive campaign to curb illegal mining and the unauthorized transportation of minerals, the District Mineral Office (DMO), Samba has stepped up enforcement across the district, yielding significant results. During the current week alone, the department seized 17 vehicles involved in illegal mining-related activities and imposed penalties amounting to Rs 1,91,035, officials confirmed.
Speaking on the ongoing drive, DMO Samba Kulwant Bhau said that the department has maintained continuous vigil and enforcement ever since he assumed charge with effect from October 28, 2025. Since then, the DMO office has seized 220 vehicles and imposed penalties totaling around Rs 19 lakh, highlighting the administration’s firm resolve to put an end to illegal mineral extraction and transportation.
The crackdown has been carried out under the overall supervision and directions of the worthy Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan, who has issued clear instructions for strict and uncompromising action against illegal mining.
Acting in these directions, the DMO Office Samba Kulwant Bhau has not only seized vehicles but has also taken action against illegally installed mineral dumps across various locations in the district.
As per official figures, enforcement actions so far have resulted in the seizure of vehicles, illegal dumps, and the imposition of penalties to the tune of Rs 1 crore and Rs 11 lakh. In total, about 775 vehicles, dumps, and cases have been booked under relevant provisions of the mining and revenue laws, marking one of the most comprehensive anti-illegal mining drives in recent times in the district.
Officials said that illegal mining poses a serious threat to the environment, river ecology, and public infrastructure, besides causing substantial revenue loss to the government.
Keeping this in view, the district administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy, making it clear that no violator, transporter, or beneficiary of illegal mining activities will be spared. |
