DMTF approves mineral check posts for Srinagar to curb illegal mining, filling, constructions

Srinagar: District Mineral Task Force (DMTF) Srinagar on Wednesday approved the establishment of mineral check posts to curb illegal mining and transportation, illegal constructions and filling of water bodies in and around the city. The mineral check posts, to be established within two months, will also have CCTV cameras installed for monitoring centrally.

The DMTF meeting chaired by District Magistrate Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, approved the allocation of land for the establishment of check posts at Khushipora Shalteng, Mujgund, Bhagwanpora Noorbagh, Lasjan, K P Bagh and Padshahi Bagh, and directed the concerned departments including Revenue, SMC and Planning to issue necessary permissions within a week.

The meeting was informed that all the mineral check posts which will be established will be connected with the Integrated Command and Control Centre coming up at Bemina. It was informed that the check posts will be constructed at an approved cost of 90 lakh rupees.

Speaking on the occasion, the District Magistrate emphasized strict vigilance against filling of water bodies, illegal mining, land-filling, land conversions and other aspects which have severely affected the watershed and balance of nature making the area prone to waterlogging, flood and other issues.

He directed the District Mineral Officer Srinagar to fast-track the construction as the relevant codal formalities have already been completed.

DMTF also took note of two check posts completed at Zewan and Daktang areas. Pre-fabricated fire-resistant check posts will be constructed at all the approved locations to check illegal mining and unauthorized constructions.

During the meeting, the District Mineral Officer Srinagar and Member Secretary DMTF, Altaf Rasool, presented a resume of activities initiated in the sectors of drinking water, education, social welfare, plantation and others. The DMTF appreciated the efforts of the DMO for various steps taken in the management of welfare schemes.

Joint Commissioner SMC, Syed Qasim; Joint Director Planning Mohammad Yaseen Lone; Superintendent of Police, General Manager DIC; Assistant Commissioner Development; Assistant Commissioner Revenue; Superintending Engineers; Executive Engineers and other members of DMTF attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Srinagar administration is considering various identified locations around the city for installation of CCTVs to curb illegal transportation of material for unauthorized constructions in the city. (KNO)