Task force formed to curb illegal mining activities in Guj: Patel

Rajkot, Sep 13 (UNI) The Gujarat government has formed a special task force to curb the illegal mining activities in the state, said Energy Minister Saurabh Patel today.

Briefing mediapersons here after laying the foundation of the corporate office of the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) here, the Minister said the state government was committed to curb the illegal mining activities in the state and has formed the task force for this purpose.

A special control room has been set up at Gandhinagar in this regard and people having any information relating to illegal mining, should inform the control room. The government would take immediate action on the information. The informer would get a cash award, Mr Patel said.

Flying squad had detected 4,733 cases of illegal mining since January to August in the state and slapped over all fine to the tune of Rs 9.7 crore, he said.

Replying to a question, the Minister said the power supply situation in the state has considerably improved in last two to three days and farmers are now getting power supply for eight hours daily. After improvement in the power supply situation, the government would consider to lift the two-day power cut for the industries, he said.

The Minister said 36 power sub-station of 66 KV would set up in the Saurashtra region, including six in Rajkot district alone in near future.

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