CHANDIGARH: Going by the popular saying 'Better Late Than Never', the Punjab Public Relations, mining and education minister Harjot Singh Bains today ordered the district administation to stop illegal mining going on unbated for the last three years in his own constituency of Anandpur Sahib.
He ordered to seal unregistered crushers and the installation of CCTV cameras at all registered sites, critical routes and hotspots within 15 days across the Rupnagar district. There are over two dozeb illegal crushers operating in his constituency for the last several years ranging from governments run AAP, SAD-BJP and Congress. Bains was under attack from opposition parties for allowing illegal mining in his constituecny.
Under public pressure and fearing backlash, Harjot Bains has directed the Rupnagar district authorities to seal all unregistered crushers immediately. He even told the officials there should not be any generator at the unauthorised sites. He also asked to ensure installation of high-resolution night vision closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras with 360-degree view at registered crushers, besides installing CCTV cameras on all critical routes and pathways, which could be used for transporting mining materials, as well as in areas identified as hotspots for illegal mining.
To increase transparency in mining operations, the Minister has also directed authorities to verify the records of past three months of those crushers against whom complaints were received. This verification must be completed within 15 days.
Bains also directed to seal the Agampur Bridge area, where illegal mining activities were reported. He said that the area must be secured with barbed wires and the display boards should be installed with warning that trespassers will be prosecuted. The reports of illegal mining were appearing in the newspapers without any notice in the past.
Bains also ordered all JEs and SDOs to ensure round-the-clock vigilance to prevent illegal mining activities, while emphasising holding district officials accountable for any negligence or collusion with illegal mining operators, regardless of their influence or political connections.
Contractors operating at all legal mining sites have also been strictly warned against engaging in any unfair practices. They are prohibited from exceeding their designated mining areas, he added.
The mining Minister informed that a team of experts from IIT, Rupnagar will conduct site surveys to verify compliance and identify any violations. Contractors found exceeding their authorised mining area will face severe penalties and legal action.
He said the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has adopted zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining. He stated that anyone found engaging in this illegal practice will face severe consequences.