KATHUA: Acting swiftly on inputs of illegal mining in Bhini Nallah at Billawar, joint team of Mining and police rushed to the spot and seized a Chain Machine (Excavator) involved in the Illegal Mining. The Machine of stone crusher had excavated over 2000 MT of Nallah muck from the interior of Nallah. Earlier, the photos of excavator were also circulated in the social media and DMO took cognizance immediately.
The DMO informed that Rs 5 Lakh penalty was imposed on the Excavator for illegal digging and excavation in the Nallah in violation of rules and guidelines of Geology and Mining Department. The area of Excavation was also measured by the officials of the mining department and found over 2000 MT Nallah muck lifted from the spot thereby resulting in several pits and trenches in the Nallah.
The Excavator after seizure as per the rules of Geology and Mining department kept in the custody of police till realization of penalty. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas has already passed instructions to the mining department to take strong action against stone crushers and other violators if they indulge in illegal mining anywhere in the district.