Strict vigil on illegal mining: Hemraj Bairwa

Dharamshala, November 4: A review meeting was held today in the Deputy Commissioner’s auditorium, Dharamshala, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, to ensure complete control over illegal mining activities in Kangra district and to ensure compliance with the NGT guidelines. ADC Kangra Vinay Kumar, ASP Kangra Veer Bahadur, District Mining Officer Rajiv Kalia, officers of various departments, SDM, Tehsildar, Forest Department and Police Department were present.
Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa reviewed the ongoing mining activities in the district in detail in the meeting and gave clear instructions to the concerned officials that all mining activities should be controlled as per the new guidelines of the National Green Tribunal and strict adherence to the prescribed rules should be ensured.
He said that strict legal action would be taken against those mining without permission, so that standards related to environmental protection and public interest are not violated. The Deputy Commissioner directed all Sub-Divisional Officers and Mining Department officials to regularly inspect sensitive mining sites in their respective areas and submit immediate reports if any illegal mining activity is detected.
He also said that the district administration will activate joint inspection teams, consisting of officers from the revenue, police, forest, and mining departments, to fully control illegal mining. These teams have been instructed to conduct regular inspections and submit reports of their results to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Deputy Commissioner Bairwa said that illegal mining not only harms the environment but also adversely impacts rivers, roads, and local infrastructure. Therefore, curbing this problem is a top priority for the district administration.
He asked the officials to ensure transparency and accountability in all mining activities and also run awareness campaigns in the mining areas so that local people follow the rules and do not indulge in illegal activities.
He said that CCTV cameras will be installed at sensitive mining sites, surveillance will be conducted through drone surveys, and a control room will be set up to quickly resolve complaints of illegal mining. Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said that the district administration is fully committed to environmental protection and public welfare, and that illegal miners will not be spared under any circumstances.