Illegal Mining: Poclain, Dumper Seized Alongside Ravi River

Kathua : A team of Geology and Mining Department, led by District Mineral Officer (DMO) Rajinder Singh, conducted a raid along Ravi River on specific information early morning, here on Tuesday, said a spokesman in a statement issued here.
As per the statement, during the raid one Poclain (heavy chain machine) bearing number SYQ15512086, operated by Shiv Chander Prasad Singh, and one dumper bearing registration N0 PB35Q2359, driven by Gulshan Singh, were seized from the spot. Two more drivers along with dumpers succeeded to flee from the spot.
Both the machine and the dumper were handed over to Incharge Police Post Bedian Patan and shall remain in the police custody till the realization of penalty by the Geology and Mining department.
Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Pandey, has instructed the department to redouble its efforts to curb illegal mining activities and sought tough action against the violators.
As per the officials, a heavy penalty, to extent of around Rs. 12.00 lakh, has been imposed on the poclain and dumper.
The DMO informed that both machines and dumper belong to Punjab state. He said that department never spares any person for carrying out illegal mining activities anywhere in the district.
The department, in the past has seized and penalized 11 heavy excavators and 41 vehicles involved in illegal mining in the Ravi River and adjoining locations.