SHOPIAN, JUNE 27 (KNS): Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Choudhary Mohammad Yasin today convened a meeting of officers regarding the fixation of rates of River Bed Materials (RBM) in the district.

The DC said that the purpose for fixation of sale rates of the RBM is to ensure that the public does not suffer because of charging of higher rates from them.

During the meeting officials from Department of Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), Department of Fisheries and Pollution Control Board (PCB) raised the issue of disturbance in ecosystem and embankment of water bodies due to extraction, they however urged the concerned that the extraction may be carried without disturbing ecosystem and avoid flood like situation.

The DC stressed on adopting a modern scientific approach for extraction of minerals so that the ecosystem of the river is not affected due to extraction and to make the process sustainable.

He said the permission may be granted to ensure early extraction of minerals so that government works does not affected owing to the shortage of raw material, however he directed the department of geology and mining to strictly follow the guidelines and take care of all the technical suggestions given by the Fisheries and Irrigation and Flood Control departments.

The DC directed the concerned to strictly adhere to the rates finalised during the meeting and made it clear that any violation in terms of the sale price of RBM shall be dealt with seriously and strict action as per rules shall be taken against the violators.

Among others the meeting was attended by Additional Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Executive Engineers of I&FC, PMGSY, Irrigation, District Mineral Officer besides other concerned. (KNS)