Adherence to scientific management of mining imperative: DC Pulwama

Pulwama, May 8: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom Monday chaired a meeting of the Multi Departmental District Level Task Force Committee for Geology and Mining to discuss and review the status of mineral mining in the district.
Initially Additional Deputy Commissioners, Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora apprised the chair and participants about the latest status of the mineral- mining scenario in the district and gave some suggestions for complete ban on instances of illegal mining.
Giving details, DMO informed that a total of 10 mineral blocks have been e-auctioned, 04 are operational and rest are awaiting environmental clearance from JKEIAA.
The DC while speaking on the occasion, asked for mapping of mineral mining areas keeping in view the impact assessment. He also called for the need to streamline the extraction of minerals in the district.
He added that scientific mechanisms in place should be adhered to deal with the issue of mining.
Outlining the importance of the District level Committee constituted for the purpose, he impressed upon the concerned to prescribe SOPs and take all the necessary steps needed for enforcement of the same. He emphasized submitting reports about illegal mining on a weekly basis and stern action against those involved in illegal mining in the district.
The DC asked the members of the District level Task Force Committee to work in close coordination and liaison in the best interest of checking illegal mining in the district to control this menace of illegal mining from the district forever.
He further directed the DMO to make a detailed plan highlighting the role of Police, Revenue, Forest, Irrigation and Flood Control departments so as to check illegal mining, transportation and dumping of minerals in the district.
DC also passed directions to police to extend all possible support needed to the checking squads of the district for ensuring a blanket ban on the instances of illegal mining.
DMO was also directed to establish Nakas/check points at the sensitive points to keep a strict and close vigil on illegal transportation and storage of minerals.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora, ASP Pulwama, ACR, DFO and DMO, representatives from Irrigation, Flood Control and other concerned officers.