Dy CM outlines multi-pronged strategy
to eradicate illegal mining in J&K
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 20:
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, today chaired a high level
meetingm to deliberate on the pressing issue of illegal mining across Jammu and
Kashmir.
The Deputy CM
issued clear directives for stringent measures to eradicate illegal mining
activities, stressing the importance of night-time vigilance and frequent
inspections. He emphasised that no mining operations or hot mix plants should
be allowed to function without proper permissions, asserting that
accountability at every level of administration was essential to achieving this
goal.
The officers were
instructed to provide updated and comprehensive data on mining activities and
ensure consistent coordination with the police to enhance field-level
monitoring.
The Deputy CM noted
that robust data management would not only expose irregularities but also
strengthen the overall governance of mineral resources.
Surinder Choudhary ordered
immediate seizure of machinery and vehicles involved in illegal mining. He
highlighted the need for imposing substantial penalties on violators, stating
that such measures would serve as an effective deterrent against unauthorised
activities.
Highlighting the
environmental consequences of illegal mining, the Dy CM expressed concern over
pollution in water bodies and called for concerted efforts to address
ecological damage. These measures, he noted, align with the government’s
broader commitment towards sustainable resource management.
Regarding recurring
mismatch between field data and records on the J&K Mining Web Portal, Surinder
Choudhary asked the officers to rectify this issue promptly, underscoring the
importance of transparency and accountability in mineral resource governance.
The meeting was
attended by Director Geology & Mining Puneet Sharma and all District Mining
Officers, among others.