Action Against Illegal Mining

• 22 Nov 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir chaired a high-level meeting to deliberate on the pressing issue of illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points

• Strict Measures Against Illegal Mining:
  • The Deputy CM directed officials to implement stringent measures to eradicate illegal mining.
  • He stressed the need for night-time vigilance and frequent inspections to monitor activities.
  • Emphasis was placed on ensuring accountability at all levels of administration.
  • Issues of mismatch between field data and records on the J&K Mining Web Portal were also highlighted.
• Data Management and Coordination:
  • Officials were instructed to provide updated and comprehensive data on mining activities.
  • Consistent coordination with police was urged to enhance field-level monitoring.
• Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Management:
  • Concerns were raised over pollution in water bodies caused by illegal mining.
  • The need for concerted efforts to address ecological damage as part of sustainable resource management was emphasized.

Illegal Mining

• About:
  • Illegal mining is the extraction of minerals, ores, or other valuable resources from land or water bodies without the necessary permits, licenses, or regulatory approvals from government authorities.
  • It can also involve the violation of environmental, labor, and safety standards.

• Issues:
  • Environmental Degradation:
    • It can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution and can result in the destruction of habitats for wildlife, which can have serious ecological consequences.
  • Hazards:
    • Illegal mining often involves the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which can pose serious health risks to miners and nearby communities.
  • Loss of Revenue:
    • It can lead to a loss of revenue for governments as miners may not pay appropriate taxes and royalties.
    • This can have significant economic impacts, particularly in countries where natural resources are a major source of revenue.
  • Human Rights Violations:
    • Illegal mining can also result in human rights violations, including forced labor, child labor, and exploitation of vulnerable populations.