During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took note of the availability of minor minerals for infrastructure projects in the Union Territory (UT). He also directed to ensure the availability of construction materials to the public at government-approved rates.
RTI activists Srikant Paikal and others had moved the apex green tribunal alleging that Sambalpur-based Shanti Construction Company had resorted to day broad day light of minor minerals from Tangi-Choudwar tehsil of Cuttack district.`
Addressing a news conference on Friday, SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said his party would approach Punjab and Haryana high court to get this matter probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. He also condemned the transfer of “upright officers in lieu of protection given to mining mafia and gangsters” in the state by the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government.
The National Green Tribunal had on 28 March directed the Darjeeling DM to ensure payment of Rs 20 Lakh each to families of three victims, who had died when a chunk of earth fell on them while illegally mining sand at Matigara, and Rs 5 Lakh to an injured, after deducting the amount already paid, within one month
The incident took place in BS Mining Outsourcing company's excavation project in West Modidih colliery at around 6 a.m.
The CAG says the Mines Department itself identified 48,486 cases of illegal mining activities during the years 2015 to 2020.
The petitioners have alleged blatant, unscrupulous, illegal and unprecedented destruction of flora and fauna, habitat of wildlife and the water sources on account of highly unscientific and unhindered exploitation of minor minerals from Luhan Khad as a result of rampant illegal mining being carried out.
Political controversy erupts a day after VB was asked to probe alleged involvement of Cong leader and former Speaker Rana KP Singh in illegal mining.
State Home Minister Anil Vij said in "Operation Clean" carried out by about 1,600 police personnel in the Nuh district between 20 July and 25 July 61 vehicles were seized for illegal mining, 29 vehicles seized under section 102 of CrPC and section 47 of Police Act, 268 vehicles impounded under Motor Vehicles Act.
The CM said monitoring is being done on the mining potential areas in the Nuh district and strictest action is being taken against the persons involved in illegal mining activities.
