State Geology and Mining Department is showing signs of becoming a rogue department owing to its arbitrary way of functioning. In normal course of things it is supposed to be in close rapport with related departments like Environment and Irrigation and Flood Control and Tourism etc. In particular, when allowing quarrying across the State, it is all the more important that there should be coordination among all concerned agencies of the Government. The case in point is that of Chiryai Muthal area in Maand village near Tikri in Udhampur district where a mountain having a plateau and greenery on the slopes was allowed for quarrying by the Geology and Mining Department and the same has been rendered completely defaced by the miners.
The sad thing about this case is that the contractor has carried quarrying in areas outside the limits formally allowed and the Geology and Mining Department never obstructed the encroachment that has brought the contractor huge profits. When the matter became public and fingers were raised, the Department concerned imposed nominal fine on the contractor just the eyewash and let him go scot free. This is not the first time that the Department of Geology and Mining has come under criticism. People have been voicing complaints against its arbitrary functioning. The Government should take serious note of degradation of environment caused by illegal quarrying and mining and such like activities and put a stop to them forthwith.
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