JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday directed strict enforcement of e-Challan at crusher units, mandatory GPS tracking of all vehicles transporting mining material, and implementation of the “One Parchi, One Load” rule to curb illegal mining across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Mining Department in Jammu, he reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining in both divisions. He instructed that no vehicle be allowed to transport mining material without a valid authorised e-Challan (Parchi), and only one load be permitted against each Parchi. Any misuse or duplication, he warned, would invite strict action.
Making GPS tracking compulsory, the Deputy CM ordered immediate seizure of vehicles operating without functional GPS devices. He also stressed strict adherence to approved excavation limits, prohibiting mining beyond authorised riverbed zones and illegal night operations.
Calling for stronger inter-departmental coordination, Choudhary gave Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police a free hand to act against offenders, including complicit officials. “No external pressure will be tolerated while dealing with illegal mining,” he asserted.
He further directed DCs to identify mining blocks, review environmental clearances, ensure demolition of illegal units, monitor mining fund utilisation, and enforce a complete ban on illegal mining. Instructions were also issued for clearance of pending power dues by crusher units, suspension of MDLs where necessary, and adoption of best mining practices from other states and UTs.
The meeting reviewed the status of mineral blocks, e-auctions, GPS tracking and IMSS implementation, enforcement measures, compliance of crusher units, amendments in royalty and penalties, progress under DMFT, mineral exploration, and the overall regulatory framework.
Additional Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar stressed maintaining tight vigil, while the Director of Geology and Mining briefed the chair on departmental functioning and steps taken to check illegal mining.
