Taking strict cognizance of the attack on SDM Nalagarh Yunus Khan by sand mafia, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has directed the senior government officials to get tough with the illegal miners.
“Stern actions would be taken against the persons involved in illegal mining in the State,” said Singh on the sidelines of a horticulture conference. He said that Government was serious about rampant illegal mining taking place in the state and the issue was discussed in the last cabinet meeting. “State cabinet has granted approval to the new ‘Himachal Pradesh Mineral Policy-2013’ to regulate mines and minerals in the State and has stringent provisions to contain illegal mining,” said the Chief Minister. He said that the new mineral policy would facilitate the mining activities under the laid provisions of the law and would also safeguard the requirements of local people for their bonafide use.
He added that the Government was making all efforts to curb illegal mining and appreciated the officers who are doing commendable work in checking these activities even under threats. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that Hamirpur parliamentary seat was not only a priority of Congress party but winning all four seats was their goal. He said that it was just a co-incidence that Hamirpur constituency general meeting was held at Shimla on Saturday but soon the meetings of other constituencies would be convened.
“Congress party was not concerned about BJP’s candidate contesting from this seat. Whether it is former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal or any other candidate, it was internal matter of BJP, he added. The Chief Minister said that earlier too, Congress candidate major general Vikram Singh had defeated Dhumal on this seat. He added that it had been brought to his notice that recommendation of 5th Pay Commission was not implemented in the categories of Horticulture officers and government would look into it and consider it sympathetically.