Only GPS-fitted vehicles to lift minerals from crushers
*ACB given free hand to probe raids at my brother’s premises
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 27: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary today announced the cancellation of all Mineral Dealer Licences (MDLs) and declared that only GPS-fitted vehicles will be allowed to operate at crushers, asserting that illegal mining will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He also said the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has been given a free hand to probe the raids conducted at the residence and properties of his brother Vijay Choudhary.
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Addressing a press conference here, the Deputy Chief Minister said the scrapping of MDLs was a key reform as these had become one of the major reasons behind illegal mining and unregulated transportation of minerals. He said clear directions have been issued that no vehicle carrying minerals will leave any crusher without a valid receipt and GPS tracking.
Choudhary said yesterday he visited Khundwal area where a mining company had diverted the course of the Tawi river, leading to the breach of the embankment and triggering flood-like conditions during the monsoon in Khundwal and at SKUAST Jammu. “If illegal mining is not stopped, Khundwal, Belicharana, Chattha and adjoining areas will face large-scale destruction,” he warned, adding that strict enforcement has already begun on the ground.
He further informed that directions have been issued to the Mining Secretary to revisit all Short Term Permits (STPs) and cancel them wherever required to ensure proper regulation and transparency in the sector. The Government, he said, is committed to scientific mining and protection of river ecology.
On the ACB raids at his brother’s premises, the Deputy Chief Minister said the investigating agency has been given complete freedom to carry out its probe.
“If any mistake has been committed, we will face the consequences. But if no wrongdoing is established, we have complete faith in the judiciary and expect justice without any bias or selective targeting,” he said, adding that he would continue to seek a fair and impartial investigation.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, Choudhary said strict monitoring mechanisms are being put in place and violators will face strong action.
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