Correspondent

 

SANGDUPOTA, Apr 23: The state’s Geology & Mining department has warned that legal action will be initiated against those involved in illegal extraction of natural resources and the activities thereto in non-notified areas.

The department’s Assistant Director Tassar Talo informed that on receipt of information of illegal extraction of natural resources in Poma, Rakap, Jote and the nearby areas of Sangdupota Circle in Papum Pare district, a team of officers led by Sangdupota Circle Executive Magistrate Takam Nicholas along with the local Panchayat leaders carried out a surprise checking in the Poma river area and halted several such extraction activities. While urging the local people not to involve in illegal mining activities, Talo informed that the surprise checking has revealed several illegal mining activities going on in Poma river bed. “The team found heavy earthmovers extracting boulders, sand gravels and other mining materials from the spot which will have a negative impact on the area’s flora and fauna, besides depletion of natural resources,” he added. The department has already notified several areas for extraction of mining materials for commercial purposes but illegal activities will not be tolerated, Talo warned, making it clear that action will be initiated as per APMMCR 2020 against the defaulters. He also thanked the youths and student community of the area for showing concern over the illegalities. 

PRI and youth leaders of Poma, Rakap and Jote, AAPSU leaders and the GBs accompanied the team during the surprise inspection.