Officers to identify illegal mining routes

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 18

Mining officers have been entrusted with the responsibility of identifying illegal routes leading to riverbeds for carrying out illegal mining activities. The decision was taken while chalking out action plan to be implemented in compliance with previous directions issued by the court and the state to effectively curb illegal mining activities, Director, Industries, Amit Kashyap said

Kashyap said after identifying such routes by the officers, these should be reported to the DCs so that these illegal routes could be dismantled immediately.

He also directed them to identify mineral potential areas vulnerable to illegal mining in their districts so that these could be put for public auction. “This will not only help in checking illegal mining but also legal material be available in the markets and will also add to the state exchequer,” he added.

Besides, directing the mining officers to submit proposal auctions in a time-bound manner, he also instructed them to ensure raids frequently.