Crackdown ordered on illegal mining
Strict action has been ordered against the illegal mining activities along the riverbeds across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
Chief Secretary K-P Dr Shehzad Khan Bangash presided over an important meeting about mining on riverbeds in the province on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Minerals Humayun Khan and senior officials.
Presiding over the meeting, Dr Shehzad Khan Bangash issued orders for immediate closure of illegal mining and operation of illegal crushing plants on riverbanks across the province.
He directed all stakeholders and deputy commissioners to take stern action against running illegal mining on riverbeds and illegal crushing plants that are causing environmental pollution.
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On this occasion, he also directed the deputy commissioners to cooperate with the field officers of the K-P Minerals Department.
The chief secretary directed the officials of irrigation department to study the mining on riverbeds on scientific basis and prepare a detailed report.
On this occasion, he also directed the home department officials to prepare a letter regarding the powers of magistrates to all the concerned assistant commissioners and additional assistant commissioners.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2022.