Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 18: Expressing concern over illegal mining from State land by some people allegedly in connivance with the officials of concerned Gove-rnment departments, the State Vigilance Commission (SVC) has sought Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur.
A complaint about illegal mining was lodged by one Godawari Devi, a resident of Muttal against one Parshotam Singh (ex-employee of Revenue Depa-rtment) regarding illegal extraction of stones and other valuable material from State land bearing Khasra No. 158 min, measuring about 18 kanals and 14 marlas at village Muttal in district Udhampur with the active support of officials of Revenue, Forest, Geology and Mining Departments resulting in huge loss to the State exchequer besides considerable damage to the ecological balance of the area.
The State Vigilance Commis-sion, while perusing the complaint, and the enquiry report prepared by the Additional Deputy Commi-ssioner, Udhampur dated 24-06-2014 observed, prima-facie dereliction of duties and misconduct on the part of officers/officials has been established.
The Commission, while taking serious note of illegal drainage of public resources by the violator in connivance with public servants, asked the Deputy Commissioner Udha-mpur that as to what action has been taken on outcome of the enquiry earlier conducted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Udh-ampur in the matter.
Further, the Deputy Comm-issioner has been directed to submit the compliance report to the Commission by or before next date of hearing.
However, the Deputy Comm-issioner has clarified that sufficient action has been taken by the office of Deputy Commi-ssioner in punishing the officers found guilty and also for stopping the practice of illegal mining in village Muttal.
Enquiry was initiated by Deputy Commissioner, Udham-pur, vide order No DCU/SQ/880-86 Dated 26.10.2013 wherein Addl DC Udhmapur was appointed as Inquiry Officer and the later submitted detailed inquiry report vide letter No. ADC/PS/7/2014 Dated 24.06.2014. On the basis of this report, the Deputy Commi-ssioner placed three officials under suspension for their involvement in illegal quarrying, including Mehboob Khan, Naib Tehsildar Udhampur, Ved Parkash Naib Tehsildar Tikri and R K Rathore Naib Tehsildar Mali. Recently the Government, based on appeal of suspended officers has ordered a de-novo inquiry in the matter which is being conducted by the Addl DC.
Pertinent to mention here that mining in Khasra No 156 and 158 situated in village Muttal was banned by District Magistrate vide order No 1576-84/DMU/JC/144 Dated 24-10-2013. Moreover, the consent to operate issued in favor of the stone crusher in question was cancelled by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on intervention of Deputy Commissioner.
Further, the DC Udhampur based on the findings of the inquiry conducted by Addl Deputy Commissioner, Udha-mpur also furnished the case details to the State Vigilance Organization intimating about the case, action taken including suspension of officers and initiating further proceedings in the matter. The DC had recommended on 31st March 2015 to SVO the sternest possible action against the Revenue Officers so held guilty during the enquiry.
“It is evident from facts that all required action in the matter has been taken by office of Deputy Commissioner”, said office of the Deputy Commissioner.
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