Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 23: The District Administration, South Andaman, continues its stringent drive against illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals across the district. Acting on credible information, an inspection was conducted during which it was found that illegal extraction and dumping of earth had been carried out at Dollygunj and Hobdypur Village.
Acting on credible information, the Revenue field staff conducted inspections at Dollygunj and Hobdypur villages, during which instances of unauthorized extraction and dumping of earth were detected.
At Dollygunj Village, it was observed that land measuring 200 Sq. Mtr had been utilized for the illegal extraction and dumping of approximately 100 cubic metres of earth without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority. Based on the findings and after due examination, a penalty of Rs 70,000/- (Rupees Seventy Thousand only) has been imposed, which includes the cost of the illegally extracted earth as well as the penalty pertaining to the seized excavator involved in the violation.
Further, at Hobdypur Village, the Revenue staff detected unauthorized dumping of approximately four truckloads of earth over an area measuring 170 square metres, classified as House Site land. In this case, a fine of Rs 32,000/- (Rupees Thirty Two Thousand only) has been imposed on the violator for contravention of the prescribed rules.
In total, a cumulative penalty of Rs 1,02,000/- (Rupees One Lakh Two Thousand only) has been imposed on both violators.
The unauthorized extraction and dumping of earth constitute a violation of the provisions of the A & N Islands Minor Mineral Rules, 2012, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Land Revenue and Land Reforms Regulation, 1966.
The District Administration has once again cautioned all individuals and landowners to refrain from engaging in illegal extraction, transportation, or dumping of earth and minor minerals. Strict legal action shall be initiated against violators in accordance with the relevant provisions of law.