BOKARO | Sept 26, 2016: A forest department team busted illegal stone mines during a surprise inspection, in the Upperghat jungles of Nawadih block. Upperghat area is already in the limelight for illegal coal trade and is now gaining the concern of authorities for the same. There have been several anti-Maoist raids in these areas but no action has been taken to curb the illegal business.

The forest team also found several stone crushers installed in the vicinity of forest. The district administration has started an inquiry, on the complaint of forest officials, to ascertain whether the crushers are legal or illegal and from where do they get the raw materials.

The forest team headed by regional chief conservator of forest (RCCF) Kulwant Singh along with conservator of forest AT Mishra and divisional forest official P R Naidu visited Kanjkiro under Nawadih block, about 60 km from the district headquarter in the morning. The forest department has 42 hectares of land in the Red zone of Kanjkiro. This is first time when any RCCF has inspected the area.

Earlier on July 9, the DFO had visited Kanjkiro and found illegal stone mining in the forest. He raided the stone mine with a few forest guards. Though the illegal miners managed to escape, but the forest personnel seized a tractor and tonnes of illegal stones stocked there. The DFO reported the matter to senior forest officials who conducted the surprise inspection.

"Visiting there we found four big stone quarries and other smaller ones in Kanjkiro forest area. We are taking action against it. There were several crushers operational in vicinity of forest cover, which is matter of inquiry. Mining department has been asked to check their status and to verify whether crusher owners have obtained NOC from forest department or not," said RCCF.

The DFO said that they have dug a trench using earthmover on the path leading to the illegal stone mines to restrict entry of smugglers. Besides we have intensified vigil in the area. DC, Rai Mahimapat Ray said that on information of forest officials they have asked mining department and police department to inquire and lodged FIR in this connection. Illegal trade of coal and stones should be curbed. "Smugglers and illegal miners should be sent behind bars," said DC.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)