Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 17: While directing the concerned authorities to take action, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary today asserted that illegal mining will not be allowed under any circumstances.
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Speaking to reporters in North Kashmir’s Baramulla after a review meeting of various departments, the Deputy CM said he has instructed the Deputy Commissioner to take strict action.
“Illegal mining in any form will not be allowed; it won’t be tolerated at all. I have directed the DC to act, and a committee has been formed today to address the issue,” he said, adding that there will be zero tolerance for such violations.
Choudhary, who has been vocal and active in curbing illegal mining, emphasized that he does not engage in social media politics but believes in action on the ground.
“If I can visit Ravi in the middle of the night, I can do this too. The District Mineral Officer (DMO) has been directed to set things right,” he said.
On ceasefire violations along the LoC, the DyCM, who hails from Nowshera, said that people there have been suffering from such incidents since 1947. “It is unfortunate; it has destroyed lives, and we hope it ends soon,” he added.
During the meeting Choudhary reviewed the developmental landscape of the district with emphasis on assessing progress on ongoing projects, addressing challenges in implementation and ensuring timely execution of key initiatives across the various sectors.
Present in the meeting were Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javed Ahmad Dar, MLA Uri, Sajad Ahmad, MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafeez Lone, MLA Sopore, Irshad Ahmad Kar, MLA Pattan, Javaid Riyaz Bedar, MLA Tangmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah (who joined virtually), District Development Commissioner, Minga Sherpa, Heads of Departments and sectoral officers.
The Deputy Chief Minister conducted a comprehensive review of projects being executed by Public Works (PWD), Health, RDD, Education, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Departments besides Jal Jeevan Mission, KPDCL and other key departments.
Legislators from the concerned constituencies projected their grievances and demands including issues related to mining in Uri sub-division, development of Parihaspora, Pattan, as a heritage village, expediting work on drainage work in Sopore, macadamization of roads in Wagoora-Kreeri and other development related issues.
While addressing the concerns raised by the Legislators, Choudhary issued directions to the concerned officers to expedite the work on ongoing projects to ensure timely completion.
The Deputy Chief Minister underscored the need for strong collaboration between elected legislators and the officers, urging them to work in close coordination to fulfill aspirations of the people and transform the district into a thriving economic hub.
Earlier, the DC apprised Choudhary regarding the development scenario of the district and highlighted various long pending demands.
These included establishment of mini secretariat in Sopore, Tangmarg, Baramulla and Uri; Multi level parking in Sopore and Baramulla; additional hospital and upgradation of GMC Baramulla, availability of specially skilled doctors; Gulmarg road upgradation and others.
Speaking on the occasion, Javed Ahmad Dar emphasized the importance of transparency in all developmental works. He directed the officers to take strict action against those displaying a lenient approach or engaging in unethical practices.
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