Stop illegal mining in Tawi: DB

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 1: In the much publicized Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting various issues involving the conservation and preservation of River Tawi, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Tashi Rabstan today directed Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu to ensure installation of two check posts to prevent illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals from the bed of River Tawi during night.
When the PIL came-up for hearing, Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi appearing for the petitioner Advocate Dewakar Sharma drew the attention of the DB towards the orders dated 25.08.2017 and 25.09.2017 respectively.
“These orders were issued to the respondents to ensure prevention of illegal extraction of sand and other mining minerals from the River Tawi and for removal of the encroachers”, he added.
After hearing counsel for the PIL, the DB observed, “from the perusal of order dated 25.05.2017, we find that status report had been filed by the District Mineral Officer, Geology and Mining Department Jammu on 20.09.2017 in which it is stated that five check posts have been installed at Nagrota, Sidhra, Bhagatpur, Phalain Mandal and Belicharana for prohibition of extraction and transportation of minor minerals from the bed of the River Tawi”.
“Counsel for the petitioner submits that there is no night patrolling in the area of River Tawi to check the illegal extraction of mining minerals”, the DB observed and directed SSP Jammu to ensure installation of two check posts to prevent the illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals from the bed of the River Tawi during night.
“In order dated 17.11.2016, this court had directed the Superintendent of Police to ensure that no illegal extraction takes place between 6 pm to 6 am. This direction is required to be carried out in letter and spirit by the SSP failing which this court shall be constrained to pass appropriate orders against concerned officers”, the DB said.