JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, today reiterated the Government’s firm commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that strict action will be taken against violators as well as the negligent officials.
During an inspection of the riverbed area near the 4th Bridge over River Tawi, the Deputy Chief Minister took serious note of mining activities allegedly being carried out in violation of established norms.
The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by the Director Mining, Chief Engineer PWD, ADC Jammu, ASP South Jammu and other senior officers.
Taking serious note of mining issues near the bridge, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the Chief Engineer, PWD, to register a formal complaint and lodge an FIR to ensure stringent legal action against those involved.
“Presently, all mining blocks are non-functional, and no extraction activity should be allowed. Any operation within this prohibited zone is illegal and will invite strict action,” the Deputy Chief Minister stated.
He emphasised that, as per the existing mining regulations, no extraction is permitted within 500 meters upstream or downstream of a bridge. “This is very unfortunate that mining activities are carried out under the bridge, and the concerned have failed to take action. We have adopted a zero-tolerance approach and will not allow such unlawful operations,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, who serves as Chairman of the District Task Force on Mining, along with the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu and the District Mineral Officer (DMO), have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of mining regulations.
He made it clear that no vehicle shall be allowed to transport mining material without valid documentation.
He further directed the immediate seizure of vehicles involved in illegal transportation, imposition of penalties and prompt initiation of appropriate legal proceedings against the violators.
Expressing concern over reports of extraction from non-functional or unauthorised blocks, the Deputy Chief Minister ordered that responsibility be fixed and accountability ensured. He reiterated that mining can only be undertaken in duly identified and approved blocks after completion of all required formalities.
Voicing displeasure over lapses in enforcement, he remarked that officials must act responsibly and proactively. “It is unacceptable that senior authorities are compelled to intervene due to negligence at the field level,” he said.
He also underlined that no department, including those engaged in flood control or dredging works, shall undertake any activity without prior approval from the competent authority. Unauthorized deployment of machinery in riverbeds will not be tolerated, he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that the inspection would lead to visible improvements on the ground and assured the public that the administration remains fully committed to safeguard the natural resources, upholding the rule of law.
During the tour, the Deputy Chief Minister also took stock of ongoing works at the 4th Bridge and called for expediting the pace of work for timely completion.
