Harjot Bains Orders Crackdown on Illegal Mining in Rupnagar District: Sealing Crushers and CCTV Surveillance
Punjab Government Takes Strong Action Against Illegal Mining in Rupnagar District
In a decisive move against the rampant illegal mining activities in Punjab, Education Minister and MLA from Anandpur Sahib, Harjot Singh Bains, has ordered a series of stringent measures to curb the growing issue. The minister’s directives, issued on March 1, 2025, aim to eliminate illegal mining operations and enforce accountability, transparency, and security across the Rupnagar district.
ਗ਼ੈਰ-ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਮਾਈਨਿੰਗ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਆਨੰਦਪੁਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਤੋਂ ਵਿਧਾਇਕ ਹਰਜੋਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੈਂਸ ਨੇ ਰੂਪਨਗਰ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਗ਼ੈਰ-ਰਜਿਸਟਰਡ ਕਰੱਸ਼ਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਸੀਲ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ 15 ਦਿਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਅੰਦਰ-ਅੰਦਰ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਰਜਿਸਟਰਡ ਮਾਈਨਿੰਗ ਸਾਈਟਾਂ, ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਰੂਟਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਹੌਟਸਪੌਟਾਂ ‘ਤੇ… pic.twitter.com/ZmlmjgnVEs
— Government of Punjab (@PbGovtIndia) March 1, 2025
Sealing Unregistered Crushers: Immediate Action to Combat Illegal Mining
The Punjab government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal mining by ordering the immediate sealing of unregistered crushers. Harjot Bains emphasized that all crushers operating without the proper registration or permits will be closed down immediately. This move is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure that mining activities are regulated and operate within the legal framework.
“The illegal mining activities have caused significant damage to the environment and public safety. We will ensure that no unregistered crushers operate in Rupnagar, and unauthorized generators are banned from these sites,” stated Bains.
Installation of CCTV Cameras to Enhance Surveillance
To boost transparency and prevent further illegal operations, Bains directed district authorities to install high-resolution CCTV cameras with 360-degree views at all registered mining sites. The cameras will be equipped with night vision to monitor activities round-the-clock. These cameras will not only cover the crushers but also key transportation routes used for the illegal movement of mined materials.
In addition to the crushers, CCTV cameras will be installed at all hotspot areas identified for illegal mining activities. The surveillance will help authorities track the movement of mining materials and ensure that all mining operations comply with established guidelines.
Strengthening Security at the Agampur Bridge Area
The Agampur Bridge has long been identified as a hotspot for illegal mining. In a bid to prevent further illegal activities in the area, Bains has instructed the authorities to secure the location by installing barbed wires around the perimeter. Warning signs will also be posted in the area to notify trespassers that any illegal activity will result in severe legal action.
“The Agampur Bridge area has been a significant concern for illegal mining. With these measures, we will deter any further illegal activities in the region and ensure the area remains secured,” said Bains.
Round-the-Clock Vigilance and Accountability
Harjot Bains further emphasized that all Junior Engineers (JEs) and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) in the region must ensure 24/7 vigilance to prevent illegal mining. Regular inspections will be carried out, and authorities have been instructed to hold district officials accountable for any negligence or potential collusion with illegal operators, regardless of political affiliations or influence.
This initiative reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to transparency and strict enforcement of mining laws. Authorities have been put on notice that any dereliction of duty will not be tolerated and that legal action will be taken against individuals found complicit in illegal activities.
Expert Review to Ensure Compliance
In a move aimed at ensuring that all mining operations follow the rules, the Punjab government has enlisted experts from IIT, Rupnagar to conduct site surveys. The expert team will evaluate the operations at both legal and illegal mining sites, verifying the compliance of contractors with established rules and regulations.
“These experts will help identify any violations or discrepancies in the mining operations, and contractors who are found violating the set limits will face serious consequences,” stated Bains. The government has also imposed strict penalties on contractors who exceed their authorized mining areas, reinforcing the zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Illegal Mining
Harjot Bains reiterated that the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining. Anyone caught engaging in or facilitating illegal mining activities will face severe consequences.
“This is a warning to all those involved in illegal mining activities. The government will not spare anyone found violating the law. We are committed to protecting Punjab’s natural resources and ensuring that mining operations benefit local communities while respecting the environment,” he added.
Collaborative Efforts to Safeguard Punjab’s Resources
Illegal mining has long been a significant issue in Punjab, with adverse effects on the environment, local communities, and infrastructure. The recent directives by Harjot Bains underscore the Punjab government’s dedication to securing its natural resources and ensuring that only authorized mining activities take place.
This crackdown on illegal mining is a critical step toward maintaining the state’s environmental integrity and economic sustainability. With the enforcement of these measures, Punjab aims to establish a controlled, well-monitored mining industry that complies with legal standards and serves the community’s best interests.