Crackdown against illegal mining in Jammu; DMO Jammu seizes sand dumps

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: In continuation to its efforts to curb illegal mining, the Geology and Mining Department team, led by District Mineral Officer, Jammu on Friday carried out series of raids against unauthorized excavation and mineral dumping in the district.
The DMO and his team conducted raids at several locations including river beds along Nandwal village and its surrounding areas. Huge dumps of sand were seized which were ready for the illegal transportation.
All the material of minor minerals was confiscated, DMO Jammu said, adding “Offenders have been instructed to avoid indulging in the illegal transportation of sand and its related material.” Several complaints prompted this action against illegal mineral extraction, transportation and storage and this operation by DMO Jammu led to the seizure of huge dumps.
Earlier, a joint effort between DMO Jammu, Geology and Mining and local police targeted Lalyal, Malka Chack and Muckwal areas, seizing many vehicles and hundreds metric tons of illicitly stored sand and the seized sand piles were handed over to police and about 2000 metric tons were spread in the Tawi River with the help of machinery.