Port Blair, April 22: Following complaints of illegal mining and dumping of earth, particularly in Sippighat and Teylerabad areas, surprise inspections were carried out by the SDM/SDO along with PRI members and Revenue & Police Officials to check and monitor the complaints. Showcause notices and stay orders have been issued and property transaction in such cases have been stopped. A team of Revenue and Police Officials has been formed for regular Patrolling. Many trucks and Excavators have been seized in the past fortnight and penalty has been imposed.
As per rules, permission for any development/ transportation is required from the competent authority. It is directed that all such activities be carried out only after obtaining proper approval from competent authority. Recorded tenants/Transporters have been cautioned to refrain from unauthorized cutting/dumping of earth. In case of any further violation found, stringent action will be taken. Penalty up to Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh only) or imprisonments up to five years can also be imposed as per Environment Protection Act, 1986. All land related transactions in such cases will be curbed. Ejectment proceedings will be initiated and land will be taken over by Government. General public have been requested to report any such illegal activity to the Control Room at toll free No.1070.
