STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Continuing series of raids to contain illegal mining and putting a check on sand mafia, a joint team of Geology and Mining department led by Gulshan Kumar (JKAS) District Mineral Officer Jammu, Harjeet Singh Tehsildar South and Rajinder Singh Chib, Chowki Officer Chatha, NT Satwari carried out a raid at village Lalyal on Sunday.
The team seized 12 vehicles including three heavy machines (excavators) and 9 tractors & trolleys found engaged in illegal excavation and transportation of minor minerals. The department of Geology & Mining was receiving regular complaint that a large number of excavators and other vehicles are engaged in illegal dumping and transportation of sand in the area, after which the raid was conducted to nab violators. Pertinent to mention here that Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Avny Lavasa has already directed officers of Mining, Revenue and police to conduct inspections of areas and seize vehicles, if found indulged in violation of rules of Geology and Mining department.
The official of Geology & Mining Department have urged masses to abstain from practices of illegal mining of minor minerals, as it is illegal and don’t enter Nallahs, rivers and Khads especially during rainy season, as there is risk of flash-floods and massive water flow any time. The overall operation was undertaken under close coordination of Geology & Mining, Police and Revenue Departments.