Nexus between Mining mafia & Govt exposed; 17 illegal crushers operating in Bajalta
Time for Mining Deptt to wake up from deep slumber
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: It has been observed that despite all possible measures being put in place by the administration and law enforcing agencies and clear-cut instructions by the Court, the illegal mining is going unabated in entire Union Territory, thereby not only causing huge loss to Government exchequer but also damaging the ecology in Jammu and Kashmir to a great extent.
We often hear reports regarding seizure of vehicles and machinery by Police, found indulged in illegal mining in various parts of J&K, but what after that? Just poor labourers and drivers of vehicles, who are generally from outside J&K, are made scapegoat and real criminals taking advantage of loopholes in the system and judiciary, escape scot-free without facing any stern punishment, just to continue their illegal business once again.
Looking at this scenario, there is no doubt that this malpractice, which is becoming enormous day by day, is not controlled in time will cause detrimental consequences for entire society. Moreover, there is a dire need to make necessary amendments in laws for awarding stern punishments, not only to criminals but also to those, who support them in or another way.
Another thing to worry is that despite highlighting menace numerous times by STATE TIMES and a senior BJP leader and former MLC, who few months back, in a press conference alleged that a big Mafia is behind illegal mining with active involvement of some officers, the Geology & Mining Department is mum over crucial issue and in place of taking some concrete measures to put a check on illegal practice, prefers to do some patch-work just as a formality.
It is really surprising that how these anti-social elements, without any fear of law, are carrying out such illegal and anti-nature activities, quite under the nose of the administration without any fear in nexus with the mining department.
There is of course some political patronage or support behind this menace, as without that it is not possible to ruin the natural resources continuously without any check. STATE TIMES is in possession of a letter written by one Sahil Choudhary, a Lease Holder, addressed to the Director, Geology & Mining Department Jammu, wherein specifically mentioning names of 16 stone-crushers located in Bajalta area of district Jammu, he has alleged that the units are indulged in illegal mining. He has categorically mentioned that without having any permission or lease, the units are extracting minor minerals since long from nearby water-bodies, especially during night hours and has sought necessary action against them as per law.
As per letter, the stone-crushers which are carrying out illegal mining included Harman Stone Crusher, Public Stone Crusher, Khatana Stone Crusher, Northern Stone Crusher, TRB Stone Crusher, Surya Stone Crusher, Motel Stone Crusher, Tawi Stone Crusher, Friends Stone Crusher, Radhey Krishna Stone Crusher, Sharma Stone Crusher, Jupiter Stone Crusher, Taj Stone Crusher, Chaman Stone Crusher, TBA Stone Crusher and Chadak Stone Crusher, operational in various areas of Bajalta.
Now, the million-dollar question is will the department take any cognizance over the complaint and initiate steps to investigate the matter for booking these units, if allegations are found true or will continue its deep slumber, with the letter resting in one of its files?
From general public to the lease holders in Jammu, all are against the mining mafia and the Mining Department Jammu is probably watching it blindly. Besides numerous complaints of illegal mining are coming from many quarters but till date no action has been taken against any mafia.
After the continuous complaints and the silence of the mining department, many questions are being raised on the J&K administration also as mining department is clearly bowing before mining Mafia.
