KATHUA: District Mineral Officer Kathua (DMO) Rajinder Singh has imposed Rs. 9 lakh penalty on an Excavator involved in illegal mining at Sahar Khad here today. The excavator was seized from Palan Morh area of Sahar Khad where River Bed Mineral was dug and lifted to Shree Krishna Stone Crusher without seeking any permission from the mining department.
It was informed that immediately after seizure as per extant rules, the JCB machine was brought to police post and shall be released by Joint Director only after payment of penalty in Directorate office Jammu.
The action was initiated on the complaint of some local people. The DMO informed that there are clear directions from DC Kathua to curb the practices of illegal mining in the district. He informed that three excavators have already been seized from the same location for excavation of minor minerals in violation of rules of Geology and Mining department.