In a major crackdown against illegal mining and the unlawful extraction of minor minerals, J&K Police in Baramulla achieved a significant success by seizing 12 vehicles involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of clay and boulders during two separate enforcement operations in the jurisdiction of Police Station Kunzer.

Acting on reliable source information, a police party of Police Station Kunzer conducted a raid and seized five tippers loaded with illegally extracted clay along with one JCB excavator used in the illegal excavation and transportation of the material, said a police press release.

The timely operation effectively curtailed unlawful mining activities in the area. In a separate action during routine patrolling at Hardbani, Kunzer, another police party intercepted six tractors carrying boulders illegally extracted from Ferozpora Nallah. During checking, four drivers disclosed their identities, while two others fled from the spot, abandoning their tractors.

On verification, none of the drivers was able to produce any valid authorization or permission for the extraction and transportation of the minerals.

They admitted that the boulders had been illegally extracted from Ferozpora Nallah. Consequently, all six tractors along with the illegally extracted material were seized on the spot.

Overall, 12 vehicles, comprising five tippers, one JCB excavator, and six tractors, were seized during the two operations for their involvement in the illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals.

In this connection, FIR No. 91/2026 has been registered at Police Station Kunzer under the relevant provisions of law, and investigation has been initiated to identify all persons involved and ascertain the full extent of the illegal mining network.

Police reiterates its firm commitment to protecting natural resources and preserving the ecological balance of the district.

Strict legal action will continue against individuals engaged in illegal mining and transportation of minerals. 

The general public is urged to cooperate with the police and report any instances of illegal extraction or transportation of natural resources to help safeguard the environment and uphold the rule of law.

Srinagar, Jul 5: The Food Safety Department, Anantnag, on Saturday conducted a comprehensive inspection of Langars at the Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam, to ensure the availability of safe, hygienic, and wholesome food for pilgrims participating in the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.

The inspection was carried out under the directions of the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, J&K. The Food Safety Team inspected food preparation areas, hygiene and sanitation practices, the quality and source of raw materials, storage facilities, availability of potable drinking water, personal hygiene of food handlers, and the use of food-grade utensils and equipment.

During the drive, the team distributed protective gear, including face masks, head covers, and gloves, among Langar workers and advised them to use the protective equipment while preparing and serving food to prevent contamination. The officials also sensitized Langar management committees and food handlers about maintaining strict food safety and hygiene standards throughout the pilgrimage period.

To further strengthen food safety measures during the Yatra, the department has deployed two Mobile Food Testing Vans across district Anantnag for on-the-spot testing of food being served to pilgrims, ensuring its quality and safety. The Food Safety Department stated that regular inspections and surveillance will continue throughout the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra to safeguard the health of pilgrims and ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations.

The department appealed to all Langar organizers and food handlers to cooperate in maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation, contributing to the safe and successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.

Srinagar, Jul 5: Several areas in Budgam district have no direct access to the Srinagar Semi Ring Road despite the highway passing through central Kashmir, forcing commuters to take long detours once the project becomes operational.
Commuters from Budgam and Beerwah will have to travel more than 20 and 30 kilometres, respectively, to reach either the Narbal junction or Wathoora-Chadoora to access the highway for travel to Srinagar, North or South Kashmir

Those from Khansahib must travel 20 km to reach the Wathoora junction, and Doodhpathri, an emerging tourist destination, will have to travel over 30 kilometres to reach either junction.
Along the Beerwah-Budgam district road, the elevated Ring Road has come up without approach roads, service lanes or designated entry and exit points at several locations, particularly near Kawnar-Nasrullahpora.
Residents said the alignment cuts through the area without adequate connectivity for most parts of the district.
“This is the main district road connecting Budgam and Beerwah, but there is no cut or service road where it meets the elevated Ring Road,” environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat said. “People will have to travel to Narbal or Chadoora to access it. This should be addressed before the project is completed.”

Residents said the missing connectivity would affect commuters, transporters, fruit growers, students and emergency services and raise safety concerns once the highway becomes operational.
“There is no direct connection between the Beerwah-Budgam district road and the Ring Road,” said Muhammad Hafiz of Beerwah. “People will have to travel extra kilometres to reach Narbal. It could also create safety issues once the project becomes operational.”
The Doodhpathri tourist resort requires a direct link through an entry and exit point at Ichkoot or Ichgam.
Without this link, residents and visitors will have to travel over 30 km to reach the highway alignment once it becomes operational.
Locals said improved connectivity could significantly reduce travel time.

Javaid Ahmad Bhat of Ichkoot said villagers had given land for the project but still lacked access planning.
“We gave land for the Ring Road, but there is no approach road or service road being provided,” he said. “An entry and exit point at Ichkoot will directly connect Doodhpathri, a scenic tourist destination, to the highway and ease travel for locals and visitors.”

Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, Beerwah MLA Shafi Ahmad Wani and Chadoora MLA Ali Muhammad Dar have jointly submitted a representation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), seeking approach roads, service lanes and designated entry and exit points along the Beerwah-Budgam district road at Kawnar-Nasrullahpora, and an access point at Ichkoot for the Doodhpathri corridor.
After inspecting the project site at Kawnar last week, Wani said the approach design should be reviewed before completion.
“The Ring Road should improve connectivity, not become a barrier,” he said. “The approach road should be technically sound so it does not create problems when the district road is widened in future.”

A district administration official said the matter was under review. “One access point already exists at Narbal and another at Wathoora -Chadoora. We are examining the possibility of another along the Budgam-Beerwah Road,” the official said. “At Ichkoot, an irrigation siphon is a technical hurdle, but options are being explored.”

NHAI Project Director Akash Deep Singh said representations had been received.
“We have received the representations and will take up the matter with our headquarters,” he said. “The project is being executed as per the approved DPR.”

The 42.10-km Phase-I of the Srinagar Semi Ring Road from Galander in Pulwama to Narbal in Budgam and Sarai Dangerpora in Bandipora is nearing completion at an estimated cost of Rs 2920 crore and is likely to be opened by the end of this year.
The project’s Phase II (24.7 km), connecting Sarai Dangerpora to Wayul in Ganderbal, and Phase II-A (12.11 km), linking Pandach with Wayul, remain far from completion.

Phase III, which will connect Lasjan with Pandach and Hazratbal along with a 6-km airport link, is still at the DPR stage.

Srinagar, July 5: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited Nunwan base camp at Pahalgam in Anantnag district to review the arrangements of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

The LG said there is heavy rush of pilgrims this year and the Jammu and Kashmir administration and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board have made adequate arrangements for the pilgrims.

“Today, I visited the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam to review the management of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra with senior officials. The discussions focused on key aspects including movement of pilgrims, security measures, accommodation facilities, registration progress, and other logistical requirements essential for hassle-free holy Yatra,” Sinha said in a post on X.

Sinha asked officials to ensure pilgrims are made aware of the significance of valid registration.
“I directed officials to prioritise the safety, security, and convenience of all pilgrims, while ensuring that every devotee of Baba Barfani is made aware of the importance of valid registration with designated dates to minimize waiting times,” he said.

The LG urged the unregistered pilgrims to be patient and wait for their turn to undertake the pilgrimage.

“During the visit, I interacted with pilgrims and assured them that Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and all yatra management departments are working tirelessly to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free spiritual journey,” he added.

In another post on X, Lieutenant Governor Sinha said: “To ensure a seamless Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, I reviewed the ground situation and pilgrim facilities at the Chandanwari camp today. Through seamless whole of government approach, we are leaving no stone unturned to provide excellent food and lodging to the devotees of Lord Shiva.

I want every Yatri to have a blissful darshan and a profoundly enriching spiritual experience. I’ve also instructed Yatra management teams to examine pilgrim feedback and remain available for round-the-clock support.

Also, inspected the Base Hospital at Chandanwari to assess healthcare arrangements for the Yatris. Toured wards, labs and emergency units, and interacted with patients to check on their well-being & care quality.

Deeply appreciate the dedication of our doctors, paramedics & healthcare workers ensuring quality healthcare services for pilgrims”.

The annual pilgrimage to the 3880 metre high cable shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas began on July 3 and will culminate on August 28 to coincide with Raksha Bandhan.

Baramulla, Jul 05: Continuing its sustained campaign against narcotics and drug trafficking, Baramulla Police on Sunday attached immovable properties worth rupees 29 lakh belonging to a notorious drug peddler, officials said.

The properties, belonging to Mushtaq Ahmed Dar, son of Mohd. Yousuf Dar, resident of Yadipora, Palhallan, Pattan, were attached under the provisions of Section 68-F(1) of the NDPS Act.

In a press statement, an official spokesperson said, “The attached properties comprise a single-storey residential house at Yadipora, Palhallan and four shops in a double-storey commercial building at Hyderbeigh, Pattan, with a combined assessed value of over ₹29 lakh.The accused is involved in multiple cases under the NDPS Act and has also been detained under the PIT NDPS Act.”

The attachment followed a detailed enquiry conducted under Chapter V-A of the NDPS Act, during which valuation certificates, revenue records and income-related documents established reasonable grounds to believe that the attached properties had been acquired from the proceeds of illicit narcotic trafficking. The cases against the accused have already been challaned before the competent court of law., the statement said.

“This action reflects the unwavering commitment of Baramulla Police to dismantle the financial network of drug traffickers by identifying and attaching assets acquired through illicit narcotic trafficking. Such stringent action is aimed at ensuring that crime does not pay and serves as a strong deterrent against those involved in the drug trade,” it said.

Baramulla Police reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against drugs and appealed to the public to continue supporting the fight against drug abuse and trafficking by sharing any information related to narcotics. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.