Joint team of Mining Department and Police takes action against unauthorized extraction and transportation of minor minerals .
NAHIDA QURASHI
POONCH
In a major crackdown on illegal mining activities, the administration of Poonch district, on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Yasin M. Choudhary (IAS), has seized four vehicles being used for unauthorized extraction and transportation of minor minerals.
The joint team of the Mining Department and the police carried out operations at various locations across the district, leading to the seizure of the following vehicles:One excavator at Dingla, One dumper at Chaktroo and Two tractors at Jhulass.
These vehicles were being used in the unlawful extraction and transportation of minor minerals, causing significant damage to the environment and disrupting the ecological balance of the area.
In addition to the seizure of vehicles, the Mining Department’s team has also inspected and checked the e-challans of vehicles transporting minor minerals in different parts of the district.
DMO Poonch, Javed Iqbal, has urged the vehicle owners and contractors to obtain raw materials from legal mining leases and crushers with valid e-challans. He has warned that any violation of the rules will result in the imposition of penalties on the offenders.
The administration has also appealed to the general public, especially parents of children, to refrain from visiting river banks during the rainy season, as the increased water flow can be dangerous, especially for those who cannot swim. Parents are urged to ensure the safety and security of their children as a primary duty.
The department has also clarified that it has not allowed anyone to extract minerals from non-mining sites near bridges, important buildings, and public property, such as hospitals and schools. If anyone is found involved in illegal mining activities, action will be taken against them under the relevant applicable laws.
