JAMMU: District Magistrate Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya today asked the enforcement departments to intensify efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the district. He was chairing the meeting of District Level Task Force attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioners Ansuya Jamwal and Shishir Gupta, Sub Divisional Magistrates, District Mining Officer and other senior police officers. The meeting stressed on reinforcing coordination among the enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining effectively. Focus was on identification of hotspots and devising targeted plans to tighten noose around perpetrators of unlawful mining activities. DM Sachin Kumar Vaishya directed the SDMs and Sub-Divisional Police Officers to formulate comprehensive plans to step up vigil in the areas prone to illegal mining. “We must take all necessary steps and set strong precedents to deter illegal mining activities,” the District Magistrate stressed. He further emphasised the need for strict adherence to the demarcated mining zones, ensuring no deviation from the regulations. One of the key directives issued by the DM was to strictly enforce the permissible time for mining operations, which is from 6 am to 6 pm. “No mining activity should be allowed after 6 pm and this rule must be followed rigorously to prevent unauthorised operations,” he said. Additionally, the DM called for increased vigilance on both illegal mining and its logistics, such as the transportation of illegally mined materials, to effectively curb the illicit trade. Assuring the full support of the district administration, the DM urged all officers involved in the enforcement to work collaboratively and efficiently. “The administration will provide all necessary assistance to ensure the successful curbing of illegal mining activities,” he added. SSP Joginder Singh also reiterated the need for strict enforcement of law and maintaining close vigil at all costs. He reassured full cooperation from the police department to ensure clamp down on illegal mining operations.
