Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 16: 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 Sippighat Village.
During the field inspection conducted by the revenue field staff, it was observed that land measuring 0.02 hectares, classified as “House Site” and situated at Sippighat Village, had been used for extracting and dumping approximately 100 cubic meters of earth without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority. An excavator deployed for the said activity was seized on the spot by the revenue officials.
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.
Based on the findings and after due consideration, the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, has imposed a penalty of Rs. 70,000/- (Rupees Seventy Thousand only), which includes the cost of illegally extracted earth and a penalty for the seized excavator, under the powers conferred by Section 34 of the A & N Islands Minor Mineral Rules, 2012, and Section 201(6) of the A & N 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.