Director Geology & Mining Issues Circular To Stop Mining During Monsoon

SRINAGAR: The Director of the Geology and Mining Department has issued a circular vide No.59/MCC/DGM/CIRCULAR/15/3575-81 on 2nd August,2022 in which the director has impressed upon all minor mineral mining lease holders to refrain from undertaking any mining activities.

“In reference to the Enforcement & Monitoring guidelines for sand mining issued by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change January2020, para 8.1 VII{ Pre-requisite for starting mining operation}, it is impressed upon all minor mineral mining lease holders to refrain from undertaking any mining activities” the circular states, a copy of which lies with Kashmir Observer.

The monsoon period has been defined by the Indian Meteorological Department IMD Nagpur, vide letter no NAGPUR RMC/CS312 dated 18th January 2016 for each state and UT.

“The date for onset and withdrawal for south-west monsoon in respect of Jammu and Kashmir UT has been notified as 1st July to 15th September respectively” the circular further states.

“Any violation of the aforementioned guidelines would invite penal action and penalty as provided under rules shall be imposed upon the violators”

The circular also directs all mineral officers to ensure strict implementation of the said guidelines and take strict action against the violators as warranted under norms.

The circular comes after Kashmir Observer did a series of stories on how illegal mining activities were being carried out at Doodh Ganga (a tributary of river Jhelum) despite monsoon season.

Locals from a Budgam locality had alleged that mining is ongoing at Doodh Ganda Nallah during the monsoon season which is in defiance of the mining regulations.

Despite repeated attempts the Director Geology and Mining Department did not respond to phone calls.