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Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 11: The Directorate of Geology and Mining has attached District Mineral Officer (DMO) Ganderbal, Murtaza Bashir Bhat, pending an inquiry into his “conduct and non-performance.”
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According to an order issued by Director Geology and Mining Pawan Kumar Sharma, the action followed complaints regarding Bhat’s alleged poor performance and reports of rampant illegal mining in Ganderbal district.
The order stated that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and other dignitaries visited Ganderbal on May 10 to inspect developmental works, during which the officer was allegedly absent from several locations despite prior instructions to remain present with the visiting officials.
“It was observed that Murtaza Bashir Bhat (Chemist), District Mineral Officer, Ganderbal was not present with the dignitaries at all the locations,” the order read.
The department further said the officer had been informed in advance and was again telephonically instructed to accompany the visiting dignitaries, but allegedly failed to do so.
The order also cited multiple complaints from the general public and government executing agencies regarding his functioning, besides allegations related to illegal mining activities in the district.
Pending inquiry, Bhat has been attached to the CMT Laboratory in Budgam and has been directed not to leave the station without prior permission from the competent authority.
Meanwhile, the routine work of the District Mineral Office, Ganderbal, has been assigned to District Mineral Officer Bandipora, Ghulam Nabi Pintoo, in addition to his own duties, till further orders.
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