Punjab's enforcement gap: Stronger mining laws fail sans accountability

PUNJAB’s latest legislation to regulate mining reflects a familiar pattern in governance: a strong legal response to a problem that is, at its core, administrative. Illegal sand and gravel mining has long plagued the state, eroding riverbeds, damaging rural roads and causing substantial revenue losses. The new Bill signals intent, but that alone will not dismantle entrenched networks that thrive on weak enforcement and political patronage. For years, successive governments have introduced tighter rules, higher penalties and more elaborate licensing systems. Yet illegal extraction continues. The Tribune has highlighted persistent illegal sand mining in the Swan riverbed in Ropar, with heavy machinery operating at night despite NGT restrictions. It raises concerns over enforcement failure, environmental damage and possible official complicity.

The reason for continued illegal mining is not the absence of laws, but the lack of consistent, on-ground accountability. Enforcement agencies remain understaffed or compromised, monitoring is sporadic and coordination between departments is poor. In many cases, local communities bear the environmental and infrastructural costs while the state exchequer loses out.

The challenge, therefore, is to shift focus from legislation to implementation. Technology can play a critical role — GPS tracking of mining vehicles, real-time monitoring of extraction sites and transparent e-auction systems can reduce discretion and curb leakages. Equally important is fixing responsibility: officials who fail to act against violations must face consequences. Without deterrence, even the best-crafted laws risk becoming symbolic. Punjab must also address the demand side. Construction activity continues to fuel illegal mining, often because legal supply is either inadequate or priced too high due to regulatory bottlenecks. Rationalising the legal mining process and ensuring steady supply could reduce the incentive for illegal operations. The credibility of the mining laws is judged by visible outcomes — cleaner riverbeds, safer infrastructure and higher revenues.