Srinagar, Mar 05: Mining revenue in Jammu and Kashmir has hit Rs 395.44 crore in 3 years.
In a written reply to a query by MLA Dr S Bashir Ahmad Veeri, the government said: “Revenue from mining activities stood at Rs 101.17 crore in 2022-23. It rose to Rs 175.47 crore in 2023-24. Up to January 2025, revenue collection for the current financial year has reached Rs 118.80 crore,” the reply stated.
The government also reported an increase in penalties collected for mining violations. In 2022-23, fines amounting to 16.34 crore were imposed, which rose to 19.20 crore in 2023-24. Up to January 2025, Rs 14.71 crore in fines has already been collected.
The government said that the authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal mining, leading to the seizure of thousands of vehicles and machines.
In 2022-23, 6,909 vehicles and machines were confiscated, which increased to 7,018 in 2023-24. So far, in 2024-25 (up to January), 5,053 seizures have been recorded, it added.
The government denied allegations that illegal mining was going unchecked, asserting that strict measures have been taken to curb such activities.