Srinagar, Mar 05 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that mining revenue has increased over the past three years.
In a written reply to a query by MLA Dr S Bashir Ahmad Veeri, the government, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), provided a complete data of the past three years. “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, Rs14.71 crore fine has already been collected.
The reply further 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—(KNO)