Jitendra Singh calls for strict action against illegal mining, encroachments

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday called for immediate and strict action against illegal mining and encroachments to prevent future catastrophes and damage to roads and bridges.

The Minister chaired a meeting with the district administration and representatives of various departments in Udhampur to review the situation arising out of recent heavy rains and to take stock of the ongoing restoration efforts.

Advertisement

Earlier, he visited the sites where the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway had caved in.

Referring to the Keerian Gadiyal bridge, Dr. Singh recalled that two years ago he felt deeply ashamed when the bridge builder had warned that the structure would soon be eroded due to illegal mining allegedly carried out by senior political figures.

At the site of the national highway blockade in Kathua, NHAI regional officers pointed out that out of the bridge’s 15 frames, only two remained functional, while the other 13 had been eroded by miners, leading to the collapse of the bridge.

The Minister stressed that it is now the responsibility of society as well as elected representatives to curb illegal mining. “It is high time for all of us to honor the pledge to avoid illegal mining and encroachments, and move beyond the rhetoric of merely saying ‘I will not indulge and I can only appeal to others,’” he said.

Reviewing the situation caused by heavy rains, Dr Singh complimented the district administration, frontline workers, police, and civil society for their swift response.

He appreciated the timely decision of the administration and police to block the National Highway at vulnerable points and to issue a red alert.

He was informed that essential services, including road connectivity, power, and water supply, were being restored on top priority.

The District Administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) assured him that restoration of essential services on the National Highway would be completed by this evening.

Earlier, Dr Singh personally visited Jakhain in Udhampur, where a bridge collapsed and severe road damages occurred due to the recent spell of heavy rains.

He took firsthand stock of the situation, inspecting the damaged bridge and adjoining road infrastructure, which had disrupted connectivity and affected the movement of local residents.

He also interacted with officials from the district administration and NHAI present at the spot to review the immediate relief and restoration measures being undertaken.