Jammu, Feb 25,: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday said illegal mining will not be tolerated and directed the district administration to take immediate action after he observed alleged violations during a visit to river banks in different parts of Jammu.
The Deputy Chief Minister said he was shocked to see mining activity being carried out close to a bridge despite clear regulations prohibiting extraction within 500 meters of such structures. He termed the activity a serious violation of established norms and warned of strict consequences for those found involved.
“Mining cannot be done within 500 meters of a bridge. I was shocked to see extraction taking place in violation of the rules. This will not be tolerated,” Choudhary said during the inspection.
He said the district administration has been directed to immediately stop the illegal activity and initiate action against those responsible. The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for strict enforcement of mining regulations to prevent damage to infrastructure and the environment.
Choudhary further said that illegal mining not only weakens river ecosystems but also poses a threat to public safety, particularly when carried out near bridges and other critical structures.
Officials accompanying the Deputy Chief Minister assured that appropriate steps would be taken to ensure compliance with the law and prevent further violations.Further details were awaited regarding the action initiated by the administration.
[KNT]
