The J&K government has attached Joint Director, Geology and Mining, Jammu, H L Langeh, with the Administrative Department, ceasing all powers vested in him with immediate effect on Saturday. The order, issued by the Mining Department under Government Order No. 13-JK(MNG) of 2025, comes in the wake of directives received from the office of the Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, reinforcing the administration’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the mining sector. The officials have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with mining regulations to prevent any further unlawful extraction of mineral resources. Those found complicit in unauthorised mining activities, irrespective of their position, would face strict legal consequences, said the deputy chief minister. The government has reiterated its commitment to sustainable and legal mining practices, ensuring that all mineral extraction activities are conducted within the ambit of law and environmental norms. Efforts are being intensified to introduce advanced monitoring technologies, including satellite surveillance and digital tracking to curb unlawful mining operations. The citizens are encouraged to report any instances of illegal mining through designated helplines and online grievance portals. The action against the Joint Director serves as a strong message that the government will not hesitate to take stringent action against any official found to be negligent or complicit in illegal activities.
