KATHUA, Jan 23: A team of Geology and Mining department led by District Mineral Officer Kathua Rajinder Singh condcuted day and night operations at multiple locations of the district here today. During the exercise, a total of 23 vehicles carrying raw and finished mineral involved in illegal mining and illegal transportation were seized which include 05 dumpers, 08 heavy Punjab based trucks and 10 tractor trolleys.
Further, 12 more vehicles moving towards Punjab side were penalized on the spot after measurement of mineral loaded on them beyond the carrying capacity as per the e-challans and GST bills.
During day and night operations, 07 vehicles seized at lakhanpur Toll post, 05 at Taraf Tajwal, 02 at Bhagtali, 06 at Tarnah Nallah and one each at Raj Bag and Basantpur areas of the district besides penalizing all 12 vehicles at Lakhanpur 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 controlling illegal transportation and illegal mining activities.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas has already instructed the Geology and Mining department not to allow any vehicle or dumper loaded with mineral without e-challans and even without other prescribed documents. All the vehicles after seizure handed over to Police till the realization of penalty by the geology and mining department.
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