Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 20 December 2024
In a significant crackdown on illegal mining, the District Administration, South Andaman, has imposed a hefty penalty of ₹1.24 crore on a quarry operator recently for unauthorised extraction and transportation of minor minerals. The action comes under the purview of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Minor Mineral Rules, 2012, and the Land Revenue and Land Reforms Regulation, 1966.
The violation was identified following an investigation, and the defaulter was served notices to justify their actions. However, failing to respond or appear before authorities, the penalty—₹1,24,88,000—was calculated in accordance with Section 34 of the Minor Mineral Rules and Section 201(6) of the Land Revenue and Land Reforms Regulation.
The administration has directed the violator to deposit the penalty with the Cashier, District Office, South Andaman, within seven days of receiving the order. Non-compliance will result in the penalty being recovered as arrears of land revenue, with corresponding entries in the violator’s Record of Rights (RoR).
Reiterating its zero-tolerance approach, the District Administration has warned against any further illegal activities, promising stricter action in the future if such violations persist.
Additionally, the administration has appealed to stakeholders to comply with existing laws to ensure the sustainable and legal use of natural resources. It has emphasized that unauthorized mining or mineral transportation not only undermines public interests but also threatens environmental sustainability.
To strengthen vigilance, the District Administration has introduced confidential reporting channels. Residents can report illegal mining, encroachments, or unauthorized construction by contacting the District Control Room at 03192-240127/238881/1070 or through WhatsApp at 9531888844. The identity of informants will remain strictly confidential.