Early Times Report
Jammu, June 16: In a significant development, the Honorable High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Tehsildar Bhalwal, Chief Conservator of Forests Jammu, and District Mining Officer Jammu to submit a report on the issue of illegal mining in village Kangar, Bhalwal District Jammu. The report is to address the extent of illegal mining and the resulting damage to the land. The authorities are instructed to file the report before the next hearing.
The petitioners, Suram Singh, former Numberdar of Village Kangar, Kote, and Arshad Ayub, approached the Honorable High Court through WP(C) No. 1616/2023, represented by their counsel Advocate Faheem Shokat Butt. In their plea, the petitioners highlighted the rampant illegal mining taking place in Village Kangar, Kote Bhalwal, under the watch of the administration. The mining mafias, with the assistance of the Police, Revenue, Mining, and Forest Departments, are engaged in unlawful mining activities on the petitioners’ proprietary land and other areas in the vicinity. They mentioned the use of Pok Land Machines/JCB/Shovels/Tipper and Tractor Trollies during nighttime operations. The petitioners further alleged that the official respondents have failed to perform their statutory duties to curb illegal mining, despite being aware of the ongoing activities. They also pointed out that the Managing Director of J&K Housing and Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. has filed a complaint with the Director Geology and Mining, Jammu, requesting necessary instructions to halt the illegal mining during the night, which is causing extensive damage to the colony, plots, and roads.
After hearing the arguments presented by the learned counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Faheem Shokat Butt, the Honorable High Court expressed strong concern over the matter. The court directed the concerned authorities to submit a comprehensive report on illegal mining and land damage in village Kangar, Bhalwal. The case has been scheduled for further consideration after the summer vacations. |
