Minister Harjot Bains Directs Crackdown on Illegal Mining.
Cracking down on illegal mining, Punjab Education Minister and Anandpur Sahib MLA, Minister Harjot Bains, on Saturday, issued a series of directives, including the immediate sealing of unregistered crushers and the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras at all registered sites, key routes, and identified hotspots within 15 days across Rupnagar district.
Minister Harjot Bains instructed district authorities to seal all unregistered crushers immediately and ensure that unauthorized sites do not have generators. Additionally, he mandated the installation of high-resolution, night-vision CCTV cameras with a 360-degree view at registered crushers, along with surveillance cameras on critical routes used for transporting mining materials and hotspots prone to illegal mining activities.
To enhance transparency in mining operations, Minister Harjot Bains directed officials to review the last three months’ records of crushers that had complaints filed against them. This verification process must be completed within 15 days.
Further, he ordered the sealing of the Agampur Bridge area, where illegal mining was reported. The area must be secured with barbed wire, and warning signs must be installed, cautioning that trespassers will face prosecution.
Emphasizing strict enforcement, Minister Harjot Bains instructed all Junior Engineers (JEs) and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) to maintain 24/7 surveillance to prevent illegal mining. He warned that district officials would be held accountable for any negligence or involvement in illegal mining, regardless of political connections or influence.
Legal mining contractors were also given strict warnings against engaging in any unfair practices, particularly exceeding their designated mining areas.
Additionally, a team of experts from IIT Rupnagar will conduct site surveys to ensure compliance and identify any violations. Contractors found operating beyond their authorized areas will face severe penalties and legal action.
Bains reaffirmed that the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining, warning that those involved in such activities will face strict consequences.