UP Live Time24x7 
Srinagar,Feb 24: A fresh controversy has emerged in the mining sector of Jammu and Kashmir as transporters and vehicle owners raise serious concerns over a new directive issued by the Geology & Mining Department mandating the installation of an additional GPS device in vehicles already equipped with company-installed tracking systems.
According to stakeholders,the new requirement has imposed an extra financial burden of nearly ₹7,000 per vehicle, causing distress among those associated with mining-related transportation. Transporters argue that their vehicles are already fitted with functional GPS systems provided by manufacturing companies, making the additional installation unnecessary and financially stressful.
Reacting strongly to the issue, Janata Dal (United) J&K State Secretary Ishfaq Ahmad Rather criticized the move, calling it an avoidable and burdensome decision.
“When a GPS system is already installed by the company, what is the need for another one? If the purpose is to curb illegal mining, the existing system can be integrated and used effectively. Such decisions are only creating problems for common people and transporters,” he stated.
Rather urged the government and the concerned department to recognize and utilize the existing GPS infrastructure instead of compelling vehicle owners to bear additional costs. He also appealed to authorities to prevent what he termed as unnecessary harassment of individuals associated with the mining sector.
Stakeholders in the mining sector have demanded immediate reconsideration of the directive, stating that they are already facing multiple operational and financial challenges.
