Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary on Tuesday announced a blanket ban on mining activities near bridges, following reports of damage to a bridge in Chadoora area of Budgam district allegedly caused by illegal mining.
Speaking to reporters in Chadoora, the Deputy Chief Minister said such activities would not be tolerated, especially when they pose a serious threat to public infrastructure. He said the damaged bridge, constructed at a cost of several crores of rupees, has suffered losses due to irresponsible mining practices.
“We do not want this kind of mining where public assets are destroyed and losses are suffered,” he said, adding that strict action would be taken against those involved.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the District Mineral Officer to ensure that an FIR is registered against individuals found responsible for carrying out mining beneath the bridge. He said accountability must be fixed to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Surinder Chowdhary, who was accompanied by MLA Ali Muhammad Dar during the visit, also inspected multiple locations in the Chadoora area to review snow clearance operations. Officials briefed him on the progress of snow removal and measures taken to ensure smooth movement on roads amid the ongoing weather conditions.
He stressed the need for timely clearance of snow and restoration of essential services to minimise inconvenience to the public. [KNT]
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