Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Aug 3: District Mineral Officer, Kathua, Rajinder Singh Rana seized 13 Punjab based dumpers for indulging in illegal mining at Gandial area of district here, today.
Acting swiftly on inputs of dumpers entered in Gandial area from Pathankote side, team of Geology and Mining Department rushed to the spot to laid naka near Bala Ji Stone Crusher and caught all 11 vehicles on the spot while two were seized at Taraf Tajwal.
Meanwhile, three more dumpers fled from the spot and despite long chase by the mineral guards, the vehicles could not be stopped and entered in jurisdiction of Pathankote district.
It was informed that some drivers tried to assault mining guards but police party sent by SHO Lakhanpur on the direction of SSP Kathua, Shivdeep Singh overpowered the drivers and finally all the vehicles were driven to Police Post, Gandial.
However, strict warning was given to violators for not lifting mineral from any stone crusher without e-challans and GST bills besides following the transportation guidelines and all rules of Geology and Mining Department as per SRO-105 and MMDR Act of 1957.
Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Rakesh Minhas was immediately apprised about the incident who instructed the Department to remain cautious while conducting raids and impose heavy penalties on the vehicles and machines involved in illegal mining.
DMO further informed that the mineral guards are working day and night to control illegal mining activities in Ravi river, Ujh river, Tarnah and other Khads during monsoon season and have kept strong vigilance on the transportation of mineral from Kathua to Punjab side and other areas.
Follow our WhatsApp channel