KATHUA, OCTOBER 30: As part of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and District Administration Kathua on Wednesday organised an awareness program themed “Illegal Mining,” to highlight ethical practices in the mining sector.
The day-long event attracted numerous stakeholders, including mining lessees, crusher owners, complainants and officials from across different government departments, underscoring a unified commitment to transparency and integrity in mining operations.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas, who was the chief guest, emphasized the importance of ethical practices in the mining industry. Dr. Minhas called upon mining stakeholders and government officials to uphold integrity in every stage of mining—from ethical excavation methods to transparent transportation and the responsible sale of minerals. He advocated for advanced measures such as geo-fencing of mining blocks and GPS tracking of transport vehicles to ensure accountability and traceability throughout the mining process.
“Ensuring transparency in mining operations is not only a regulatory requirement but a moral imperative,” said Dr. Minhas. “By adopting technologies like geo-fencing and GPS tracking, we can curb illegal mining practices, safeguard our resources, and contribute to a sustainable environment.”
A team from the Anti-Corruption Bureau J&K led the program’s educational segment. Headed by Dy. SP Sunny Gupta, the team included Prosecution Officer Irshad Ahmed Sheikh, Inspector Sudhir Sadotra and Inspector Bindeshwar Manhas. The ACB team provided attendees with crucial insights into the legal aspects of mining and outlined the vital role both stakeholders and the general public play in identifying and addressing corruption within mining activities.
The ACB team discussed specific red flags and actionable measures to combat illegal mining practices. They also urged community members to report suspicious activities, thereby fostering a collective vigilance that is essential in curtailing unethical practices.
The programme ended with the resolve that all stakeholders shall work to evolve an informed community that actively supports vigilance against corruption, particularly in sectors critical to environmental and economic well-being.
Among others, ADC Kathua, ASP Kathua were also present on the occasion.
