KATHUA: Geology and Mining Department has recovered over Rs. 15 lakh fine after seizing heavy machinery involved in illegal mining near stone crushers in Ravi River, here today.
A team of officials of department led by District Mineral Officer (DMO) Rajinder Singh through approach road raided digging site in Ravi River at midnight and seized whole machinery which include three dumpers and one heavy chain machine.
Immediately after seizing the machinery, the deep large pits and diggings were also measured and found that 5500 MT of River Bed Material has been excavated from the piece of land in the premises of two stone crushers.
Earlier, a complaint was also lodged by local inhabitant of Taraf Tajwal regarding illegal movement of dumpers and chain machines in Ravi River for digging and lifting material for crushing through stone crusher.
The DMO informed that 12 chain machines and hundred of vehicles involved in illegal mining in Ravi River have been seized besides recovering heavy penalties from them for the environmental and mineral loss.
District Mineral Officer further informed that the action has been taken as per the MM (DR) Act of 1957 and SRO-105 of 2016 wherein powers have been delegated to officers for controlling illegal transportation of mineral and illegal mining activities.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas has already asked the DMO to carryout regular inspections of vehicles and machines associated with mining and do not spare any violator involved in illegal mining or illegal transportation of mineral.