From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jan 28: Mines and geology minister Murugesh R Nirani has warned the department officials, particularly district heads, of stringent action if anybody was found guilty in illegal mining cases.

Holding the full-fledged meeting with department officials which was attended by additional chief secretary (Mines) G Kumar Naik, director of mines and geology D Ramesh and heads of districts, Nirani expressed unhappiness over the district officials, particularly Shivamogga, Yadgir officials for not taking timely action to contain illegal stone quarrying.

"The whole is looking differently upon our department after the Shivamogga incident. I have received many complaints against many districts officials on going soft on illegal quarrying," Nirani said.

Touching upon the not-a-positive collection of revenue, the minister said the department should strive towards bringing a good name for the department. That is possible only when officials show commitment towards their work.

Nirani made it clear that the officials should not fall back on the revenue collection and do their best.

Poor collection of revenue has been recorded in some districts like Mysuru, Kolar, Davanagere, Dakshina Kannada, Ramanagara, he said mentioning that officers who did not achieve targets, have cited Covid19 as the sole reason.

Davanagere deputy director said Harapanahalli taluk has been included under Ballari taluk recently, so the collection was reduced.

"All the excuses should be left behind and focus should be on meeting targets," the minister said.