Officer shifted to Budgam pending probe over alleged non-performance and illegal mining complaints; DMO Bandipora given additional charge of Ganderbal office

Aqzar Raheel 

Ganderbal, May 11 (KNZ): The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Jammu and Kashmir, has attached District Mineral Officer (DMO) Ganderbal, Murtaza Bashir Bhat, pending an inquiry into allegations of non-performance and complaints related to illegal mining.

According to an official order issued by the Director, Geology and Mining, the action was taken after the officer was allegedly found absent during the visit of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and other dignitaries to Ganderbal on May 10 for inspection of developmental works.

The order stated that the officer had been informed in advance and was also telephonically instructed to accompany the visiting dignitaries at all locations, but failed to do so.

It said multiple complaints had also been received from the public and various government executing agencies regarding his alleged poor performance and rampant illegal mining in the district.

“Pending inquiry into his conduct and non-performance, Sh. Murtaza Bashir Bhat (Chemist), District Mineral Officer, Ganderbal shall remain attached in the CMT Laboratory, Budgam,” the order reads.

The order further said that the officer shall not leave the station without prior permission from the competent authority.

Meanwhile, District Mineral Officer Bandipora, Gh. Nabi Pintoo, has been assigned additional charge of the routine work of the District Mineral Office Ganderbal till further orders, officials added.(KNZ)