THATTA: The Inspectorate of Sindh Mines and Mineral Develop­ment Department has directed its staff and police to immediately stop illegal mining and quarrying activity in Jherruck and Thatta and take action against all culprits, irrespective of their socio-political status, found involved in the crime.

Syed Irshad Ahmed Jilani, chief inspector of mines, directed the director general of mines and mineral department through a letter, a copy of which was also sent to the secretary of mines, to activate the police station established for the purpose of implementing the Sindh Prohibition (of Taking Minerals Including reti, bajri From any Land) Act, 2003, and take immediate action against the culprits under sub rule (9) of rule 113 of the Sindh Mining Concession Rules, 2002.

Earlier, a report prepared by junior inspector of mines Thatta, Ghulam Muhiyuddin Bughio, on the directives of inspector of mines on Aug 27 pointed out unabated illegal quarrying activity in the district and disclosed that local influential persons were running the unauthorised business of extraction of costly marble and other stones.

The report had suggested immediate and stern action against the culprits involved in the crime.

The statements of drivers and helpers of trucks and excavators, including Sharbat Khan Pathan and Zikrullah, revealed names of the influential persons as Suleman Hilayo, Nazir Katyar, Aurangzeb Pathan and others who had been transporting 13 to 15 truckloads a day of costly stone to Karachi for the past many months, said the report.

Mr Bughio admitted the illegal business continued unabated in the district and said he had time and again sent reports to high-ups, recommending stern action against the culprits but unfortunately his pleas failed to stir them to action.

Thatta people witness dozens of trucks loaded with marble, reti, bajri, limestone, iron ore, granules and other costly minerals being transported in broad daylight to Karachi and other areas on a daily basis but they see little action being taken against the illegal business.

The frequent and unchecked quarrying and extraction activity has created huge craters and trenches along both sides of National Highway through Kirthar mountain range from Jhimpir to Keenjhar Lake, which poses serious threat to the highway in the event of heavy rains.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2017