Punjab Government Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Mining, Seizes Machinery in Amritsar Raid
Chandigarh: The Punjab Government has ramped up its efforts to curb illegal mining operations across the state under the leadership of Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal. Following strict orders issued by Goyal shortly after taking office, a coordinated raid was carried out by a joint task force comprising officials from the mining department and local police in Amritsar district, signaling the government’s determination to tackle this issue head-on.
The crackdown took place in the village of Dhingai, Ajnala, where the task force uncovered an unauthorized mining site. Minister Goyal, while elaborating on the operation, highlighted the state’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining, as mandated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s administration. He expressed his commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s natural resources, emphasizing that the government would not tolerate any violations of the law.
During the raid, the task force found machinery actively being used for illegal soil excavation, including a poclain excavator, which was swiftly seized by authorities. The seizure of this machinery marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to disrupt the network of unlawful mining operations that have plagued Punjab for years.
In addition to discovering the machinery, the team uncovered a questionable agreement between two individuals, Harpreet Singh and Jasbir Singh, which appeared to grant permission for the excavation. However, the legitimacy of this document is currently under investigation, with Minister Goyal stressing that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly examined to ensure justice is served.
Addressing the public, Minister Goyal made it clear that such unauthorized mining activities would not go unpunished. “We are resolute in our commitment to preserving Punjab’s natural resources and will take decisive action against those who violate the law,” he stated. He added that the police have been instructed to file an FIR against both the excavators and the landowner, further escalating the legal consequences of this operation.
All machinery involved in the illegal activity has been impounded and is now in police custody. This decisive move, according to Goyal, is part of a broader strategy to dissuade others from engaging in similar unlawful acts. The authorities are keen to send a strong message across the state: that illegal mining will not be tolerated, and those found guilty will face severe penalties.
Minister Goyal also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious mining activities in their areas to the authorities. The public’s participation in these efforts, he noted, is crucial to stamping out illegal operations that damage the environment and deprive the state of valuable resources.
One notable feature of the recent operation was the use of body cameras affixed to officers’ uniforms. These cameras provided real-time footage of the raid, which was transmitted live to state headquarters in Chandigarh. This measure ensured complete transparency in the enforcement process and allowed senior officials to monitor the raid remotely, ensuring that the operation was conducted efficiently and lawfully.
Minister Goyal commended the team for their swift and effective action and stated that the campaign against illegal mining in Punjab will continue with renewed vigor. He reiterated the government’s commitment to combating this menace and ensuring that lawbreakers are held accountable.
This raid is part of a larger initiative by the Punjab government to restore lawful mining practices and ensure the responsible use of natural resources in the state. With this latest operation, the administration has shown that it is serious about implementing its zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, and that it will take all necessary steps to uphold the law and protect the state’s resources.