POONCH: A meeting of the Multi-Departmental District Level Task Force cell was convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal, at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to address pressing concerns regarding illegal mining activities in the district.

The meeting involved detailed deliberations with officers from respective subdivisions on key issues, including illegal mining hotspots, enforcement challenges and strategies for effective monitoring and control. Emphasis was laid on strengthening regulatory mechanisms to ensure stringent compliance with mining laws.

The DC issued clear directives for the immediate cessation of illegal mining across the district and instructed officers to impose blanket ban on all mining activities during the monsoon season to prevent environmental degradation and ensure public safety.

He urged officials to adopt a vigilant and proactive stance in identifying and curbing illegal mineral extraction activities. Stressing zero tolerance, he called for strict legal and punitive action against violators to deter future infractions.

The meeting was attended by ACR, DFO, Dy.SP, Executive Engineer I&FC and the Headquarter Assistant. SDMs of Surankote and Mendhar, along with Tehsildars of Surankote and Haveli, participated virtually.