Illegal mining | 9 vehicles seized in Kathua

Kathua, Feb 18: Nine vehicles including two JCB machines, used in illegal mining, were seized here today.

On a specific complaint lodged by a local person regarding illegal mining and excavation at Bhagtali areas, a team of Geology and Mining department rushed to the spot and detained all five vehicles and two JCBs.

It was found that the JCB machines were illegally excavating ordinary earth at Bhagtali for further transportation to industrial areas.

Later, two Punjab based dumpers were also seized for illegal transportation of minerals near Shree Ram stone crusher in Keedian Gandyal area as these were moving towards Gurdaspur .

The District Mineral Officer informed that the action has been initiated as per the MMDR Act of 1957 and SRO-105 of 2016 wherein powers have been delegated to officers for taking action against illegal transportation and illegal mining activities.

Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr Rakesh Minhas has already instructed the Geology and Mining department to take stern action against the violators for illegally lifting raw and finished mineral from the Khads and other unauthorized locations.