KATHUA: Magnum Stone Crusher and SK Stone Crusher were fined more than Rs 67 lakh for engaging in illicit mining in the Ujh River today. District Mineral Officer (DMO) Rajinder Singh levied the fine following the measuring of several pits surrounding stone crushers, wherein minor minerals were extracted and removed for further processing. The DMO reported that earlier on social media, a number of complaints and videos showing these stone crushers engaging in illicit excavation with the use of large JCB chainsaws appeared. A team of mineral guards was assigned by the DMO to gather information and proof after they took geotagged images and videos of every illicit mining location near the stone crushers.Following the computation of the penalty, the owners of stone crushers received notices requiring them to deposit the entire sum within seven days in addition to stern warnings to follow the regulations set forth by the Geology and Mining department. The DMO further disclosed that routine operations are carried out in the local Khads of Mager, Sahar, Ujh, Ravi, Tarnah, Bhini, and Mager Rivers, where stone crushers and mineral leases are located. He declared that unlawful mining would face severe consequences.
