Jammu, March 11 – Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary ordered the deactivation of e-challan portals of five stone crusher units in the Rajouri district on Wednesday, following serious violations related to riverbed mining that were detected during a surprise inspection.
Acting against illegal mining activities, the deputy chief minister inspected several stone crusher units in Chityari and adjoining areas of the district to ensure that operations were being carried out in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations, an official spokesman said.
Choudhary was accompanied by the joint director of the Geology and Mining Department, Jammu, and other senior officers during the inspection.
He said that five units – Mir Stone Crusher Dogani, Mehta Stone Crusher Dogani, KGN Stone Crusher Dogani, Border Stone Crusher Dogani and Shakti Stone Crusher Saranoo – were found to have excavated below the natural surface level of the riverbed after exhausting their legally permitted stock, in violation of the prescribed mining norms.
Choudhary said the portals will remain suspended until a detailed verification of their operations is completed and further action is taken as per the rules.
During the inspection, several heavy excavators, including Poklain machines, were also found stationed at the premises of these units.
The deputy chief minister directed that all heavy machines not permitted for mining activities be moved away immediately and handed over to the owners in the presence of chowki officers.
He also instructed the Geology and Mining Department to conduct a verification of the functioning and compliance status of the units concerned, stating that appropriate action will be taken against any violations found during the process.