Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Dec 15: A team of Geology and Mining Department led by District Mineral Officer, Kathua Rajinder Singh paid surprise visit in Sahar Khad, Logata and other areas of the district early morning here, today.
During the exercise, a total of 16 vehicles involved in illegal mining and illegal transportation were seized which include 11 at Sahar Khad, Logate, Kathera and five at Shallan Ramkote.
The quantity of raw mineral carried by the vehicles was also measured by the officials of Mining Department and reportedly 90 MTs of mineral has been recovered so far.
Meanwhile one dumper carrying mineral without e-challan fled from the Khad.
District Mineral Officer informed that the action has been initiated as per the MMDR Act of 1957 and SRO-105 of 2016 wherein powers have been delegated to officers for taking action against illegal transportation and illegal mining activities.
Earlier, 10 vehicles and 04 heavy excavators have already been seized by the department in Sahar Khad for their involvement in illegal mining and illegal transportation of mineral besides seizing a total of 1600 MT of illegally dumped Nallah sand.
Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Rahul Pandey has already instructed the Geology and Mining Department to take stern action against the violators for illegally lifting raw and finished mineral from the Khads and Nallahs.
All the vehicles after seizure handed over to police till the realization of penalty by the geology and Mining Department.
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