Admin removes check-posts set up to stop overloading, illegal transportation of mining minerals in Yamunanagar district

The administration has removed check-posts (nakas) set up at different places in the district to stop illegal mining. This step of the administration would likely promote illegal transportation of mining minerals and overloading in the district.

According to information, the administration had set up check-posts at 11 places in Shahjadpur village, Khanuwala village, Mugalwali village, Sultanpur village, Triveni Chowk of Radaur, Gumthala Rao village, Tajewala village, Bhudkalan village, Chhachhrauli town, Jaidhari village and Taharpur village in the district several months ago.

Dr Rajesh Kumar, Assistant Mining Engineer, Yamunanagar, said check-posts were removed two-three days ago after holding a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta.

In a tweet on X, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala today said check-posts set up to stop illegal mining in Yamunanagar had been removed.

“There will be a huge increase in illegal mining due to this decision. Now, there will be no check on overloaded trucks. Yamunanagar is Chief Minister’s own area. Saini Sahib, now please tell us the reason for your kindness towards the mining mafia of your area,” Surjewala tweeted on X.

After setting up check-posts, a decrease was reportedly witnessed in overloading and illegal transportation of mining minerals. Advocate Waryam Singh, a public interest petitioner in the Punjab and Haryana High Court against illegal mining and overloading, said the check-posts should not be removed.

“Check-posts help to control overloading and illegal transportation of mining minerals. So, these should not be closed,” said Waryam Singh.

He said they would soon meet the Deputy Commissioner and hand over a memorandum to make these check-posts operational again keeping in view the public interest.

“Instead of removing check-posts, the administration should take more stringent measures to curb overloading and illegal transportation of mining minerals,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta said no check-post was removed.

He said all check-posts were being re-assessed and would be soon made functional after reshuffling the staff.

“The staff members of different departments were deputed at check-posts. There is a shortage of staff. Therefore, after reshuffling of staff and re-assessing, the check-posts will again be made operational soon,” Gupta said.