2 heavy excavators, 3 vehicles involved in illegal mining seized in Kathua

KATHUA, MAY 20: To curb the menace of illegal mining, District Mineral Officer Kathua Rajinder Singh today inspected different sites and  seized 2 heavy excavators and three vehicles.

The seized excavators and vehicles have to pay around Rs 13 lakhs in the form of penalty to the mining department as per the laid down rules.

Among seized machinery, 2 heavy excavators involved in illegal mining were seized at Ujh River and 3 vehicles carrying sand and Bajri without valid documents. “It was an entire day’s exercise wherein the team of the Mineral Department visited all the   mining spots after taking assistance from police” an official said.

The team also checked the enforcement of notified rates of minor minerals and advised consumers to purchase minerals from legal sources only and stay away from illegal miners.

The seizures were made in continuance to the administration’s tough stand against illegal mining.

Moreover, the general public was appealed to inform the Mineral Department in case of any issue pertaining to mining in the areas, exorbitant rates etc. They were urged to immediately report to the District Administration about any forceful action and violation of mining rules under MM(D&R) Act-1957 and SRO -105.