Mining dept identifies 12 sites to set up barriers in Nurpur

Move aimed at checking illegal mining in lower areas of Kangra

Our Correspondent

Nurpur, March 4

After the state government issued a notification to enforce its new mining policy, the mining department has pulled its socks to check illegal mining in lower areas of Kangra district. The Mining Officer, Nurpur, has identified 12 locations in Nurpur, Indora, Jawali and Fatehpur subdivisions for setting up barriers-cum-weigh bridges.

The proposal of erecting these bridges has been submitted to the state geologist, Shimla. After the approval, the mining authorities will obtain no objection certificates from the Public Works Department and National Highway Authority of India.

Enquiries reveal that the mining department has identified two barriers at Kandwal near the barrier of Regional Transport Officer (RTO) and Railway Bridge. Besides, these barriers are proposed to be set up at Bari-Khud (on Kandwal-Bhadroya link road), Chakki bridge on the Pathankot-Damtal road, Kandori, Kathgarh, Meelwan, Batees Meel on the Pathankot-Mandi national highway-154, Spail near HPSEBL substation on Jawali-Dehra road and Sthana.

Nurpur mining officer Neeraj Kant said the mining department in coordination with other government departments would keep a strict vigil on illegal mining activities in the lower Kangra areas bordering Punjab and action would be taken as per the new mining policy notified by the state government.

Hoshiar Singh, president of Kangra district Bhartiya Kisan Sangh, has appreciated the new mining policy and urged the state government to enforce it in letter and spirit so that the ecological balance could be maintained.