Jammu, Nov. 6 -- Kupwara in Kashmir and Samba in Jammu division have emerged as hotspots of illegal mineral extraction and transportation across Jammu and Kashmir, according to official data that highlights the scale of the ongoing crackdown on unlawful mining operations in the Union Territory.
Over the past three years, enforcement agencies have penalized 17,806 vehicles involved in illegal mining activities, imposing fines worth Rs.46.68 crore and registering 506 FIRs against violators. The figures underscore the administration's intensified drive to curb the rampant mining mafia operating across the region.
In 2023-24, authorities penalized 7,018 vehicles, filed 133 FIRs, and recovered Rs.19.19 crore in fines.
In 2024-25, the number s...