JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Taking major action against long-standing illegal mining activities in the Nikki Tawi area—located in the village of Badyal Brahmana within the border region of RS Pura, Jammu—the administration has seized several machines and vehicles. Following this operation, led by RS Pura SDM Anuradha Thakur, the area has been thrown into a state of commotion, while the functioning of both the Mining Department and the Police has come under scrutiny.
According to local residents, illegal mining operations had been ongoing day and night in the Nikki Tawi region for a considerable period. Mineral materials were being continuously extracted from the riverbed using heavy machinery and tractor-trolleys, causing severe environmental damage. Residents allege that despite numerous complaints, the concerned departments failed to take any effective measures.
Acting on these complaints, the administration adopted a strict stance and conducted a surprise inspection. The SDM personally visited the site and seized the machines and vehicles being utilized for illegal mining. This administrative crackdown has created an atmosphere of panic and chaos among the mining mafia.
Welcoming the action, local residents stated that natural resources had been subjected to blatant looting for a long time, yet the responsible departments had remained silent spectators. Residents further alleged that this illicit trade persisted continuously due to collusion between the mining mafia and certain officials.
The villagers have demanded a high-level inquiry into the entire matter, calling for strict action against the culprits. Furthermore, they have urged the administration to impose a permanent ban on illegal mining in the border areas by conducting regular surveillance and launching joint operations.
