Illegal mining continues on ED-attached land in Ropar
SDM assures of conducting probe into villagers’ allegation
Residents of Khera Kalmot village in Ropar district have alleged that illegal mining continues unabated on land attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at the village.
Villagers claimed that mining activities persisted at night on a hill that had been attached by the central agency in connection with a money laundering case linked to illegal mining.
Residents living near the attached property alleged that tippers laden with excavated material frequently passed through narrow kutcha roads. “The movement of trucks at night has made life difficult. We have raised complaints multiple times, but to no avail,” said a local resident.
The land in question had first been attached by the ED in 2022 as part of its probe into illegal mining proceeds. However, locals claimed that enforcement on the ground had been weak, allowing operators to continue extraction activities under the cover of darkness.
Responding to the allegations, Nangal SDM Sachin Pathak said demarcation of the ED-attached land had been carried out. “Pillars have been installed as landmarks on the properties attached by the ED. Revenue officials have been directed to conduct regular inspections,” he said, He also assured that an inquiry would be initiated into the fresh allegations of illegal mining.
Executive Engineer (Mining) GS Garcha, who is currently under transfer, also stated that the matter would be looked into.
