Illegal Mining Won’t Be Tolerated: DMO Jammu Imposes Heavy Penalties, Files FIRs Against Repeat Offenders
- DMO Jammu, Dr. Gulshan Kumar, has seized 11 vehicles in two days for illegally transporting minerals without valid e-challans, as part of a continued crackdown on illegal mining in the district.
- The operation, conducted under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishay, involved cooperation from Jammu Police, specifically SHO Nagrota and the Chowki Officer of Sidra.
- Since April 2024, the DMO has booked over 250 violators, recovered over Rs. 50 lakh in penalties, and registered 16 FIRs against repeat offenders.
- Dr. Kumar emphasizes the importance of responsible mining practices and reminds all stakeholders that mineral extraction is strictly prohibited during the monsoon season, when all minor mineral blocks in District Jammu are non-operational.
jj correspondent
Jammu, Aug 09: The District Mineral Officer (DMO) Jammu, Dr. Gulshan Kumar, is leading a relentless crackdown on illegal mining activities in the district, seizing 11 vehicles in just two days and demonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding mineral resources and the environment.
The latest operation, focusing on the Sidra and Nagrota areas, resulted in the seizure of five vehicles transporting minerals without valid e-challans (Form A). Four vehicles with chassis numbers MBNCA49AJRTH23272, MBNCA49AJRTH23271, MBNAK48ACPTA49518, and DO1025SED03392 were apprehended in Nagrota and handed over to SHO Nagrota. An additional tipper with registration number JK02CM 6677 was seized in Sidra and handed over to the in-charge Chowki Officer at Bagh-e-Bahu.
These actions come on the heels of six vehicle seizures in other areas the previous day, bringing the total to 11 vehicles impounded in 48 hours. The operation, conducted under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishay, involved the cooperation of Jammu Police, with assistance from SHO Nagrota and the Chowki Officer of Sidra.
The DMO’s office has been actively combating illegal mining throughout the year, with over 250 vehicles/violators booked and more than Rs. 50 lakh in penalties recovered since the beginning of the current financial year in April 2024. Furthermore, sixteen FIRs have been lodged against repeat offenders under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957.
Dr. Kumar emphasized that protecting mineral resources and the environment is a collective responsibility. He urged all stakeholders in the mining industry to uphold ethical practices and ensure responsible mining operations. He reminded everyone that due to the ongoing monsoon season, all minor mineral blocks in District Jammu are currently non-operational, and mineral extraction during this period is strictly prohibited adding no one will be spared if found violating the law.
This unwavering commitment to curbing illegal mining sends a strong message to violators and demonstrates the DMO’s dedication to preserving Jammu’s natural resources and environment for future generations.
