Coal news and updates

Babu Arjan Barad, a resident of Chagiya village in Sutrapada taluka of Gir-Somnath district, was booked on Friday for illegally mining limestones worth Rs 5.48 crore, making it one of the largest case of natural mineral theft in the recent past.

 

The complaint was lodged by Ravi K Mistry, assistant geologist, geology and mines department, Gir-Somnath district.

 

According to the complaint, the state government had approved limestone mining lease to Babu Barad in 1982 in Alidra village in Sutrapada taluka.

 

 

However, in 2011 a complaint of illegal limestone mining was lodged with the government and an inquiry was ordered.

 

 

"During investigation it was revealed that Babu Barad had allegedly mined 1.55 lakh tonne of limestone from 1.61 hectares in Alidra village which is estimated to be worth around Rs 5.48 crore," said an official of the geology and mines department.

 

 

"We had issued several notices to Babu Barad with regard to the illegal mining charges. But he was not respond to our notices. Hence, we have lodged a complaint against him for illegally mining of limestones from areas where lease was not awarded to him," said Mistry.

 

 

It is suspected that other persons could be involved in the illegal mining. Their name will be revealed after thorough investigation, said an official.

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SOurce:TOI