KATHUA, JULY 09: A team of Geology and Mining Department led by District Mining Officer, Rajinder Singh launched a crackdown against illegal mining at various locations of the district early morning here today.
During the exercise, seven loaded tractor trollies involved in illegal mining were seized in the Ravi including one from the Basholi area. Additionally, two drivers fled from the spot after unloading sand and bajri from their vehicles there.
The vehicles bearing numbers; JK08C 0249, JK08D 5698, JK08L 9004, JK08A 0724, JK08H 6872 and one Swaraj 744 XT, carrying 24 MTs of minerals were handed over to Bhagthali police post upon seizing. Another tractor-trolley bearing Chassis number MBNBU53AANCA11823 loaded with 4 MT sand seized from Dolly Khad Basohli has been kept in the custody of police post Phoond.
As per DMO Kathua, some union leaders also reached the spot and tried to release the vehicles after mounting pressure but mining guards of the department and police personnel deployed on the post forced them to flee from the spot.
The departmental team asked drivers to purchase minerals from legal sources only and stay away from illegal mining practices. Pertinent to mention here that this exercise was in continuance to the administration’s tough attitude against illegal mining in the Ravi and other areas.
The locals were also briefed to alert the administration of all illegal mining activities so that strict action could be initiated against those involved in them.