KUPWARA, March 15: Acting on specific information, a Quick Response Team (QRT) led by District Mineral Officer Mumtaz Ahmad Shah conducted a raid at Geerhatti and seized 144 metric tons of illegally stockpiled muck near a marriage hall in the Goose area.
The team, comprising officials from the Mining Department, Naib Tehsildar Headquarters Kupwara, and a police party from Bazar Police, also identified individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining. The seized material was handed over to the police for further legal action.
The QRT was earlier constituted by Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Suse to strengthen action against illegal mining in the district, and has been widely appreciated for its proactive efforts in protecting natural resources.