Dy CM acts tough against river bed mining violations

Rajouri, Mar 11: Acting tough against violations related to river bed mining, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary Wednesday deactivated the e-challan portals of five stone crusher units at Chityari and adjoining areas of District Rajouri.
To assess the mining activities in the area, the Deputy Chief Minister conducted a surprise inspection of stone crusher units to ensure that the operations are being carried out in compliance with the prescribed rules and regulations.
He was accompanied by the Joint Director, Geology and Mining Department, Jammu along with other concerned senior officers.
During the inspection, it was found that five stone crusher units including Mir Stone Crusher Dogani, Mehta Stone Crusher Dogani, KGN Stone Crusher Dogani, Border Stone Crusher Dogani and Shakti Stone Crusher Saranoo had carried out excavation below the natural surface level of the river bed after exhausting their legally permitted stock, which is a clear violation of the prescribed mining norms.
Taking serious notice of the violations, the e-challan portals of all the five units were deactivated with immediate effect.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the portals will remain suspended until a detailed verification of their operations is completed and further action is taken by the department as per the rules.
He stated that the government will ensure strict enforcement of mining regulations and protection of natural resources, cautioning that illegal mining activities will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
During the inspection, several heavy excavators (Poklain machines) were also found stationed at the premises of these units.
“All heavy machines which are not allowed to operate for mining activities shall be moved away immediately and handed over to the owners in presence of Chowki Officers,” maintained the Deputy CM.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the Geology and Mining Department to initiate a detailed verification of functioning and compliance status of the concerned units. “Appropriate action will be taken against any violation found during the verification process,” he said.