A day after attack on IAS officer Yunus Khan by sand mafias, Himachal Pradesh Government has finally woken up to check the growing clout of mafias and is now mulling to create a Special Task Force (STF) and flying squads.
Since, Mining Department under the Industries Department is facing acute staff shortage so to check the flourishing illegal trade of mining, the Government is planning to deploy Special Task Force (STF) and flying squads with executive powers.“To stop the illegal transportation of sands and gravels from riverbeds, the State Government is considering to set up a Special Task Force (STF) which will be stationed at Nurpur, Una, Nalagarh and Kala Amb. We are also planning to create flying squads which will raid the spots of illegal mining and confiscate the vehicles and machineries,” said HP Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.
Personnels for STF and Flying squads will be appointed on deputation based on their career records. “This will be done for temporary basis before any permanent arrangement of deployment of dedicated force is made for checking illegal mining,” added Agnihotri.Meanwhile, the Department is also planning to fill the vacancies on war footing and the matter is likely to be taken into next cabinet. “The major problem, we are facing to check the illegal mining is shortage of mining staffs and we are forced to take help of forest guards or home guards for raids but now specialised mining staffs will be recruited on war footing,” said the Industries Minister.
At present, two posts of mining officers, nine posts of mining inspectors, 13 posts of assistant mining inspectors, 20 of mining guards and several other posts at junior level are lying vacant.“We would also provide vehicles with blue beacon to the inspecting mining officers” said Agnihotri while adding that the matter will be taken up in State cabinet.Also, to enhance transparency and accountability, computerisation of entire permits for mining will be done and records will be checked frequently at different levels. Rules for new mining are being framed and soon these will be enforced in the State.