Ahmedabad: The state government officials from the police, revenue, geology and mining departments will now be held accountable and be liable for punitive action for negligence, if illegal mining activities are detected in their respective areas.
M Sahu, principal secretary, mines and mineral department, informed this to the Gujarat high court on Friday. Sahu was summoned by the HC .
The HC was acting on a petition filed by Amit Jethava against illegal mining in Amreli District. However, after the death of Amit, it was his brother Bhavin Jethava, who has now turned petitioner. Amit was killed in firing by two people who came on a motor bike on July 20 last year.
Sahu, in his affidavit, informed the HC that the government has also made amendments in the Gujarat Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2005.
Also, provision of suspension of royalty pass or delivery challans have been introduced in cases of violation or breach of any lease deed conditions of dues pending, the HC was informed.
“All the pending lease applications will be disposed off and new leases will be granted with all transparency,” said the affidavit.
The affidavit stated that new market mineral rates were also fixed for illegal excavation storage of various minerals. Also, the state government has made roundthe-clock control room to receive complaint about illegal mining.
The state has started incentive scheme for informers in which cash rewards up to Rs 1 lakh will be given. The government has planned to co-ordinate with railways, port, and customs departments for tracking mineral movements as well as source of excavation.
No comments:
Post a Comment