Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Sept 2: The team of Geology and Mining Department and police officials today seized dumps of 2484 MT sand illegally excavated from Ujh River during several raids conducted in different places in Billawar area.
As many as 13 dumps of sand were stocked at Pongat, Leir, Guda Kalyal, Thada Kalyal, Peiya and Dharmani areas of Billawar were seized under relevant Sections of SRO-105 of 2016 and MM&DR Act of 1957 and kept in the custody of police till further action.
The sand dumps were excavated from the Ujh River in Tehsil Ramkot by the miners by using light machinery and transported on tractor trolleys for further sale at exorbitant and willful rates in violation of rules and norms of the department.
“As per rules, no person can excavate or dump minor or crushed mineral beyond personal use and for legal dumping, Mineral Dealer Licence (MDL) is required from the Geology and Mining Department after following a due procedure in vogue and submitting requisite documents along with application”, informed DMO Kathua
During the day-long exercise, awareness was also spread among the local people about the prevalent rules for excavation, transportation and dumping of minor and crushed minerals and rates of minerals along with legally demarcated and identified locations for purchase of material.
It is pertinent to mention here that a total of 09 minor mineral blocks have been e-auctioned and allotted to contractors in Bhini and Naj Nallahs from where minerals can be purchased by consumers on Government fixed rates for further transportation on recently introduced e-challans.
Earlier last month, 1200 MTs of illegally dumped sand was seized by the geology and mining department in Kumri Kathera areas which was excavated in a very unscientific way from local Khad by miners after risking their life.
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