Legal or illegal, Khizrabad residents oppose mining

Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 7

Though the local administration has recommended the state government to allot sites for mining in Khizrabad, the idea does not seem to have gone down well with area residents.

The residents said they had already suffered a lot due to excavation in the area, resulting in damage to the eco-system and causing respiratory problems to residents.

Khizrabad resident Sher Mohammad, who has been waging a battle against illegal mining in the area, said a huge forest cover and hillocks have already been destroyed by miners.

“Now, the administration has identified nearly 90 sites for mining and asked the government for their allotment. Our point is that the area and the residents have already suffered a lot. In the area, you could see a number of points with a depth of 100 feet or more. Pollution too has gone up due to the presence of sand particles in the air,” said Sher Mohammad.

Echoing similar sentiments, Gurwinder Singh, another resident, said several people had developed respiratory problems due to the presence of sand particles in the air.

“The condition of our roads is pathetic due to the plying of heavy trucks and tippers. In result, the number of accidents here has increased,” said Gurwinder Singh and Rana Sonu, residents of Khizrabad.

“Now, we don’t want mining, whether legal or illegal,” said the residents in unison.

When contacted, area MLA Kanwar Sandhu said the area had virtually been destroyed by illegal miners and people were at the receiving end. “I, along with my workers, have initiated a fight against the menace and we will not take rest before bringing the hazard to an end,” said Sandhu.

On the issue, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Kaur Sapra said residents had expressed concerns over the proposal of allotment of sites for mining.

“We will take all their concerns into consideration before taking any decision in this regard,” said Mohali Deputy Commissioner Sapra.