Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday constituted multi departmental district level task force cell in Geology and Mining department.
According to a government order number 1569-GAD of 2018, dated October 22, 2018 issued by Hilal Ahmad, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government General Administrative Department sanction has been accorded to the constitution of ‘Multi Departmental District Level Task Force Cell” in Geology & Mining department.
Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district is appointed as chairman of the cell. Superintendent of police, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control department, Divisional Forest Officer, Mineral officer, Geology and Mining department of concerned district were appointed as members while District Mineral Officer was appointed as member secretary of the cell.
The cell would identify sites located beyond the boundaries of leaseholds and agencies involved in illegal mining activities.
The cell has been asked to keep a check on quantify of material extracted on account of illegal mining and imposition of penalties including cost material, royalty and its recovery thereof.
The cell would also refer such illegal mining activities to the Director, Geology & Mining department empowered for such purpose in accordance with rules compounding of offence.
In case the offender does not attend to the Directorate of Geology & Mining for compounding of offence, such matters shall be referred to judicial authorities in consultation with the cell.
It will also inspect mining belts with respect to title of land, status of mining pits/benches with regard to existence of flora and fauna including forestation etc. and examining the issues related to safety besides, safeguarding Ecology and Geo-environment and highlighting the area of immediate concern and remedial measures. Identify sites where e-auction of material in nallah beds, quarry belts is to be undertaken.
The cell would also evaluate price of mineral at Pit head, cost of transportation to its destination.
Prevent illegal miners /forest contractors from violating rules of Geology & Mining department. Submit the annual progress reports of study and analysis together with its recommendations to the Industries & Commerce department. Enforce provisions of SRO-105 dated 31.03.2016 and SRO-302 dated 19.07.2017 and chairman of this committee may constitute sub-committee in the matter, if it is found necessary to enforce the TOR in more effective manner.