SRINAGAR — The Geology and Mining department has refuted the allegations levelled by some tipper drivers and owners against Geology and Mining department at press enclave in Srinagar on Monday as fallacious and baseless.
The department stated that factually these people are involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals including sand, bajri, clay, Nalla makh etc and violating JK minor mineral concession, storage, transportation of minor minerals and prevention of illegal mining rules 2016.
An official said that the department of Geology and Mining Kashmir has already initiated action against the illegal extraction, storage, and illegal transportation of minor minerals including sand. In the month of February in Srinagar and Pulwama districts around 90 vehicles laden with illegally extracted mineral material were seized and around Rs 14 lakh of fine realized from the offenders.
This has annoyed the sand mafia who are now behind this baseless propaganda, he said.
The department has warned those involved in illegal extraction, storage and illegal transportation of minor minerals including sand and bajri to desist from it, otherwise more stern action under the law shall be initiated, the officer added. — (KDC)