KATHUA, MARCH 14: A team of Geology and Mining Department led by District Mineral Officer Kathua Rajinder Singh paid surprise visit at different locations early morning, here today. During the visit, a total of 06 vehicles involved in illegal mining and illegal transportation were seized which include 02 at Ghatti, 01 each at Barnoti, Kalibari, Taraf Tajwal and Ujh areas. District Mineral Officer informed that the action has been initiated as per the MMDR Act of 1957 and SRO-105 of 2016 wherein powers have been delegated to officers for taking action against illegal transportation and illegal mining activities. DMO further informed that Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rahul Pandey has already instructed the Geology and Mining Department to take stern action against the violators for illegally lifting raw and finished mineral from the Khads and Nallahs. “All the vehicles after seizure were handed over to Police till the realization of penalty by the Geology and Mining Department”, he added.
