JAMMU, AUGUST 04: Deputy Commissioner Jammu Avny Lavasa chaired a meeting of the Multi Department Task Force Committee constituted to deal with the menace of illegal mining.

ADC L&O, Minga Sherpa; ACR, Vijay Kumar; DMO, Mohammad Sayeed, DFO, SDMs, Tehsildars were present in the meeting.

The DMO informed the meeting that over Rs 8.91 crore revenue was generated in the year 2021-22, while 650 vehicles were seized and Rs 3.8 crore fine was recovered as penalty from the perpetrators.

He further informed the meeting that the department generated Rs 4.64 crore revenue, seized 268 vehicles and recovered Rs 2.26 crore as fine in four months of the current financial year.

The Deputy Commissioner asked the DMO to rationalize existing rates of minor minerals and prevent illegal mining by taking strict enforcement measures.

She asked the concerned officers to ensure availability of minerals at reasonable rates to people and the Government agencies for speedy development.

The establishment of check nakas at all potential entry points was also stressed upon to check illegal mining. She asked the concerned officers to take strict action against the perpetrators of illegal mining and bring them to the book.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized on zero tolerance against illegal mining asked for conducting surprise visits at all vulnerable points.

The DC also asked to conduct an environmental audit of the existing blocks, with special focus on the Tawi river belt.