Srinagar, Dec. 21 -- The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case following a landslide at Khanpora in Baramulla, which was caused by illegal stone quarrying. The landslide, which occurred on Friday evening, has raised serious environmental concerns and posed a major risk to human lives. District mineral officer (DMO) Zulifkar Ahmad confirmed that the administration has imposed a complete ban on stone excavation from Khanpora to Sheeri, in response to the illegal quarrying and road construction activities that have weakened the area's stability. "The illegal stone quarrying and road construction has turned this entire area fragile. We have banned all activities," he said, adding that all types of activities during night have been banned. "We will see whether stones are being lifted from the area during night hours which is a grave offence," he said. PDP district president Mohammad Rafique Rather said that hundreds of tippers and dumpers carrying stones are sold during nights. "I have brought this issue to the notice of the administration. Unfortunately, they are unmoved which is threatening our environment and the town,"he said. He urged Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, and the mining department to stop this loot. Advocate Mudasir Naqshbandi, senior advocate and social worker, said that illegal mining in Baramulla has emerged as a grave threat to the town's environmental, social, and economic future. "Unregulated stone extraction is steadily destroying riverbeds, agricultural land, and fragile ecosystems, while turning residential areas into dust-choked zones. What was once a naturally rich and balanced landscape is now facing irreversible degradation due to unchecked and unlawful mining activities. The consequences of this illegal practice go far beyond environmental damage. Continuous mining has weakened natural embankments, increased the risk of floods and landslides, and endangered public safety. It has also adversely affected public health, with rising cases of respiratory issues caused by dust pollution. The silence or inaction of those responsible only emboldens illegal operators and deepens the crisis.If immediate and strict action is not taken, Baramulla's future generations will inherit a damaged land devoid of natural resources and safety," he said adding that authorities should enforce environmental laws by holding both offenders and negligent officials accountable. Nadeem Wani, prominent businessman of the town, said that Baramulla was once known for its fresh air, flowing rivers, and living soil. "Police in Baramulla have taken cognizance of a landslide incident that occurred at Khanpora on 19 December 2025. The incident was caused due to illegal stone quarrying activities in the area, resulting in a sudden slide of debris and earth.A police team reached the spot, assessed the situation, and ensured that no loss of life occurred. In this regard, Police Station Baramulla has registered a case vide FIR No. 219/2025 under relevant provisions of law. Investigation into the matter has been initiated to identify those responsible," police said in a statement....