Illegal mining vigilance force set up in Uttarakhand

Dehradun: An Illegal Mining Vigilance Force has been set up in Uttarakhand to rein in the illicit trade. The force has been given enough powers so that it can take effective steps to rein in illegal mining in the state, an official release quoting Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister S S Sindhu said. [caption id=“attachment_1240381” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational Image. Reuters[/caption] The Force headed by DIG Sanjay Gunjyal consists of four teams entrusted with the task of cracking down on people engaged in illegal mining in Dehradun, Haridwar, Udhamsingh Nagar and Nainital districts. Each team comprises 12 constables, one inspector and one Superintendent of Police besides forest officials of sub-divisional level. Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had recently announced that a special vigilance force will be created in the state to take effective steps against illegal mining. PTI