Shopian, Sep 28:In order to control illegal mining in the district especially from the River Rambaira, District Magistrate (DM), Sachin Kumar Vaishay conducted surprise raids in Keegam Tehsil of the district in wee hours.

During the raids, officials of concerned departments under the supervision of District Magistrate seized two JCB’s, two Tippers and one LNT involved  in illegal mining and transportation of raw materials.

In line with zero tolerance for illegal mining, District Magistrate along with his team conducted these raids in different areas of Keegam tehsil.

“We are trying to curb mining that is taking place during the wee hours and during evenings,” DM said, adding that it is a menace and the District Administration is determined to eradicate this menace with legal strictness.

 Sachin said that concerned departments  have been put on alert in order to check illegal mining in the district and instructed to conduct inspections and act tough against offenders  alongwith making officials of the departments responsible for any laxity, in order to save  the public resources.

 DM emphasised that all illegal mining cases would be dealt with strictly under the rules and action against the violations would be done  on a fast track basis.