Illegal mining: DC orders action

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has directed all officials concerned to take stern action against illegal mining activites in the district in order to prevent its adverse impacts. He also directed them to issue challan books to all district officials. While chairing a meeting regarding illegal mining, the DC said both the police department and district administration officials have the authority to issue challans. He also instructed all officials to remain vigilant to prevent any form of illegal mining. He added that any development activities on private land require proper permissions. "Immediate action should be taken against any individual who is found violating the rules," the DC said. He also gave necessary directions regarding illegal dumping. During the meeting, Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi assured full cooperation of the police department in curbing illegal mining activities in the district.

Verma appointed HPRTC’s deputy

Dharamsala: Congress leader from Kangra, Ajay Verma, has been appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HPRTC). Verma, who was a close loyalist of former minister and late Congress leader GS Bali, had also served in the Youth Congress and HPCC. While talking to The Tribune, he thanked Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for appointing him as the Vice-Chairman of HPRTC. “I would try to contribute to improve the services of the road transport corporation, which has about 30,000 employees,” he said.