Kulgam, Jan 1: District Kulgam recorded a landmark month in mineral governance in December 2025, as a sustained and aggressive enforcement drive against illegal mining resulted in the imposition of penalties amounting to ₹57 lakh and the seizure of a large number of vehicles and heavy machinery involved in unauthorized mineral extraction and transportation.
The month-long crackdown was spearheaded by the District Mineral Officer (DMO), Mr. Khurshid Ahmed, with strong operational support from the District Administration.
Acting on intelligence inputs and continuous field surveillance, enforcement teams carried out day and night inspections across vulnerable mining zones, riverbeds, and transport routes to curb illegal activities.
Through an unflinching and daring crackdown on illegal mining, the District Mineral Office successfully realized revenue exceeding ₹57 lakh in a single month, a feat unmatched in the past five years. This impressive figure includes more than ₹18 lakh collected through compounding fees and penalties imposed on habitual offenders involved in illegal mining activities, thereby reinforcing the supremacy of law and accountability.
The enforcement drive demonstrated exceptional operational resolve, culminating in the seizure of over 52 vehicles, including heavy excavation machinery such as JCBs. A significant number of these seizures were carried out during the dead hours of the night, highlighting the courage, alertness, and dedication of the enforcement teams. The uncompromising ethics and fearless leadership of the DMO have been widely applauded across every corner of the district, earning admiration from the public and administration alike.
DMO Mr. Khurshid Ahmed has expressed his profound appreciation for the valuable and proactive support extended by the District Administration, which played a pivotal role in enabling sustained night operations and decisive enforcement actions. This strong inter-departmental coordination has set a benchmark for effective governance and enforcement synergy.
This remarkable achievement not only signifies a record-breaking revenue realization but also underscores a firm commitment to environmental protection and sustainable mineral management. The campaign against illegal mining shall continue relentlessly until violators desist from unlawful practices and transition to legally sanctioned mining operations.
It is pertinent to mention that only four (04) minor mineral blocks are presently operational in District Kulgam out of a total of nineteen (19). The remaining fifteen (15) blocks are closed due to documentation deficiencies, with their cases currently pending before the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for finalization of environmental clearances.
In essence, December 2025 stands as a month of distinction, discipline, and decisive action, firmly positioning District Kulgam as a torchbearer in mineral regulation, revenue enforcement, and ethical administration.
