DIBRUGARH, Feb 15 � Taking serious note of the alleged illegal mining and transport of minor minerals such as sand, stone, sand gravel, boulders, ordinary clay and brick earth, the district magistrate Aruna Rajoria here has issued directive that none of the minor minerals would be allowed shifting by rail, road, water etc., without necessary documents as per Assam Minor Mineral Concessions Rule 1994.
The illegal exploitation of natural resources not only deprives the State Government of royalty taxes and destroys environment but has also become a means for the anti social elements and insurgent groups to earn wealth for nefarious activities, the district magistrate pointed out in its order. Relying on intelligence input, Rajoria said that illegal mining was strengthening the hands of the anti-social elements.
The district magistrate has authorised officers of the rank of Forester of the Forest Department to exercise the necessary function assigned to the Deputy Commissioner under the Assam Minor Mineral Concessions Rule 1994 and has also directed the Superintendent of Police to provide all essential support to the Forest department in the strict implementation of the order in letter and spirit and to take necessary steps for curtailment of illegalities in this sector.
As per the order all lesee, mahaldar and permit holders are directed to submit reports as per Form H (Monthly Return), Form I (Quarterly Royalty Statement), Form J (Annual Return) to the respective Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial).
As regarding the movement of minor minerals from Dibrugarh district to outside Assam or from any other part of Assam via Dibrugarh district to outside Assam, the royalty rates and permission for transport as made applicable by the Government of Assam would apply and in the absence of which alone this order would apply in such cases.
The district magistrate has ordered that any failure of furnishing documents required to be maintained as per the Assam Minor Mineral Concessions Rule 1994 or refusal for entry of inspection shall be punishable under Section 44 by the said rule. Also penalty for filling of wrongful return or maintaining incorrect accounts or failure to issue challans is to be imposed upon offender under Section 45 of Assam Minor Mineral Concessions Rule 1994.
