Ranchi: In a significant policy move, District Mining Officers (DMOs) across Jharkhand will soon be empowered to impose fines on individuals and companies involved in illegal mining activities. The Department of Mines and Geology has already prepared a proposal and sent it to the state government for approval. An official notification is expected to be issued soon.
Currently, DMOs are authorized to take action against illegal mining but lack the statutory power to impose financial penalties. This gap has led to legal complications, with some fines imposed by DMOs being challenged and overturned in the High Court due to the absence of formal notification. The new proposal seeks to address this loophole by officially granting DMOs the authority to levy and recover fines within their respective districts.
According to the department’s proposal, the Director of Mines will be authorized to impose fines for illegal mining anywhere in the state. Similarly, Additional Directors will have statewide jurisdiction for the same purpose. Deputy Directors will be empowered to fine violators within their respective divisions, while DMOs will be authorized to take such action within their respective districts.