Pathankot battles illegal mining trucks entering state from J&K, HP

The borders of Punjab adjoining Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Himachal Pradesh (HP) are teeming with activity every night. Scores of trucks carrying illegal mining material from these two states enter Punjab, a development which not only causes a revenue loss to the state government, but also hits the financial interests of Punjab miners.

Punjab miners find themselves in a soup because they are forced to compete with illegal truckers who sell their mining material at much lower prices.

The Pathankot administration regularly wields the stick by impounding unauthorised vehicles, but these miners find new ways and means to deceive the authorities concerned. This activity has been going on for the last few weeks.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Aditya Uppal said he was apprised of the development. “I have asked Mining Department officials to come down heavily on such vehicles. We regularly impound such vehicles and always keep an eye on the borders,” he said.

Despite best efforts of the administration, trucks still enter Punjab in a large numbers.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Daljinder Singh Dhillon said it was the job of the Mining Department to act against such vehicles. “The police act only when the department asks for its assistance,” he said.

Sources say without the involvement of political big-wigs, movement of such trucks could not go on. “Everyone knows that the mining business involves a lot of money. It is obvious that politicians are involved in a big way,” said a businessman engaged in mining.

Scores of trucks enter Punjab from strategic points near the border at the dead of the night. A majority of them, after hoodwinking officials, proceed to other cities of Punjab where truckers sell their mining material at comparatively much lower prices than their Punjab counterparts. The most popular points are Majra, Tibri Badi Khad, Kandwal and Kandori villages. All these areas are located alongside the mining material rich Chakki river.

Chief Engineer (Mining) Dr Harinderpal Singh Bedi said his department was imposing a fine of Rs 2 lakh on each illegal truck entering Punjab. “If trucks registered in JK and HP carry valid documents like the ‘A’ form and ‘X’ form respectively, we simply cannot stop them from entering Punjab. However, if they do not have these papers, fine is imposed on trucks and these vehicles are impounded,” he said.

Aggrieved Punjab miners say they want a permanent solution. “The mining industry in Pathankot will be totally finished if truckers from the two states continue with their nefarious business,” said Laxman Nayyar, president, Pathankot Stone Crushers Association.