KATHUA: A team of Geology and Mining department led by District Mineral Officer Kathua Rajinder Singh paid a surprise visit at different locations here today. During the visit, a total of one loaded dumper and 04 tractor trollies involved in illegal mining and illegal transportation were seized at Bharwal, Kathera, Taraf Tajwal and Basant Pur areas of the district.
District Mineral Officer informed that routine check ups and raids are being laid down in Khads and river beds during day and night hours to check illegal mining activities in ongoing monsoon season and strict action is initiated against illegal miners.
The DMO said the department is adhering to the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rakesh Minhas for remaining alert during the rainy season and taking strong action against habitual violators who resort to illegal excavation and illegal transportation of minerals. All the vehicles after seizure were handed over to Police till the realization of penalty by the geology and mining department as per the procedure in vogue.