Illegal mining continues in Mohali with impunity

Tribune News Service

Mohali, November 18

Despite tall claims being made by the local administration regarding measures to curb illegal mining, the menace is continuing with impunity in the district.

Today, Kharar SDM Himanshu Jain, who was inspecting the Zirakpur-Dera Bassi area in connection with the issue of collection of “goonda tax” by the mining mafia, seized an advanced mining excavator “Kobelco” near Chhat village at Zirakpur.

Mohali Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan said the machine, the cost of which was nearly Rs 50 lakh, was being used for illegal mining in the area.

“A large quantity of soil has been excavated from the area. We have confiscated the machine and now the process of identification of its owner is on,” said Dayalan.

He said a complaint in this regard had also been made to the police by the district mining officer. Asked about the illegal mining in the district, the Deputy Commissioner admitted that it was apparently continuing in several parts.

“I have ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter. The officials concerned are being pulled up. The guilty will not be spared,” said Dayalan.