Mansa resident files complaint over ‘illegal’ mining in Zirakpur

A Mansa resident has complained to the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, alleging illegal mining, violations of environmental regulations, unauthorised infrastructure and misuse of de-silting contract near the Banur Canal Dam in Shatabhgarh village of Zirakpur, close to a protected zone.

The complainant, Manik Goyal, has alleged that illegal mining is being carried out on the pretext of de-silting the river bed.

According to the complaint, Goyal said, “Illegal activity is being carried out under the patronage of an MLA and a former minister. The material extracted from here is being taken for the new road from Lalli to Landran.”

Addressing the issue, the administration officials said, “The de-silting activity is being carried out according to the norms by the drainage department. All the environmental clearances have been taken beforehand. Adequate measures have been taken to monitor the site round the clock by the administration.”

Wherever illegal mining is carried out, the administration has taken action and registers FIRs, an official added.