While a recent lokayukta probe failed to indict anyone for illegal mining, a query under Right to Information (RTI) Act pointed towards the growing malaise in Bijnore. On the intervention of the State Information Commissioner (SIC), a fine was also realised from the accused and a legal proceeding was initiated. Now the ADM (Administration) at Bijnore has been asked to probe the matter threadbare and take action.
On Wednesday, SIC Hafiz Usman said that a resident of Bhraira hamlet of Bijnore alleged illegal mining and claimed to have filed a RTI with Additional Revenue Magistrate. He asked as to how many area was allocated for mining and the quantity of mineral. He also asked about the royalty thus taken from mining contractor as well as fine charged if it was being done illegally.
However, the local officials refused to give information after which the complainant appealed at the SIC court. The SIC taking cognizance ordered Mining Inspector at Bijnore to appear with all the information sought.
The SIC said that the Mining department did not take the matter seriously after which the the ADM (Administration) of Bijnore was summoned. After the SIC warned of stern action, the officials appeared before him and confirmed that illegal mining of earth was done in the area and that they had realised a fine of Rs 1.25 lakh. Mining Inspector, Ram Padarath Singh also confirmed that Rs Rs 3.30 lakh has been realised for illegal mining.
Aftre being convinced that illegal mining was underway in Bijnore, the SIC has now directed ADM (Administration) of Bijnore to make a threadbare probe and report to him so that appropriate action could be initiated against the guilty.