Port Blair, Aug 30: Committed to restrain and regulate illegal and unauthorized Quarrying and Crushing activities, the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman has geared up with all its paraphernalia. During the last fortnight, the Revenue team closed 7 Illegal Stone Crushing units, seized materials and further proceedings initiated Prothrapur, Sippighat, Brookshabad and Birchgunj. Besides, three unauthorized trucks carrying minor minerals as well as 2 nos. excavators have been seized from various locations and penalty imposed, heavy penalties up to Rs.13,80,000/- has been imposed against the illegal crusher operators and the team comprising of Revenue Inspectors, area Patwaris and other revenue officials are regularly patrolling the area, conducting surprise checks and raids.
The illegal Quarrying and related mining activities have been causing serious damage to the ecology of these Islands and need to be curbed. Action is being taken as per section 201(6) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Land Revenue and Land Reforms Regulation 1966 as well as under Section 34 of A & N Islands Minor Mineral Rules, 2012.
All Quarry and Crusher operators have been warned to desist from indulging in any unauthorized activity of transportation and crushing, else further stern action would be taken against them. They are directed to function only after completion of codal formalities such as NOC from Pollution Control Committee, valid Transit Pass(TP) and comply with all prescribed guidelines.
