Palwal mining row: Govt denies violations, Cong calls it cover-up

A political face-off has erupted over allegations of illegal sand mining and unauthorised construction of bridges on the Yamuna in Palwal district, with the Haryana Government asserting that no illegal activity is taking place, while the Congress continues to demand a Central-level probe.

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In an official statement issued on Monday, the state government cited findings from a joint inspection conducted by the Mining Department (Faridabad/Palwal), Irrigation Department (Palwal) and Enforcement Bureau (Palwal), stating: “No illegal mining is being done in Dostpur village and no obstruction or diversion in the flow of the Yamuna was found during the joint inspection.”

However, Congress leaders rejected the inspection report, questioning the credibility of the officials involved and demanding an independent investigation by a Central agency.

“We reported these bridges near Prahladpur. It's the same set of officials being asked to inspect, and that raises serious questions. We have day-wise visuals of the bridge construction. This is not new — we’ve been raising it for months,” said former Haryana Minister and Congress leader Karan Dalal.

Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala echoed the demand for a Central probe, warning of serious environmental consequences.

“Similar illegal mining happened in Sonepat, where the course of the river was altered. The state government initially denied it, then later admitted the damage. The Yamuna is fragile and mining along its banks will kill the river. The Centre must step in,” he said.

In response to the allegations, a government spokesperson clarified that the construction of a temporary path or crossing in the Yamuna at Dostpur village had official approval.

“The NOC was granted by the Chief Engineer, YWS (S), Delhi, Irrigation & Water Resources Department, Haryana, via letter dated March 12, 2025. The mining tender for Dostpur was awarded to M/s Darsh Buildinfra Pvt Ltd. through an e-auction on May 24, 2022, for a period of nine years,” the statement said.

Officials from the Mines and Geology Department confirmed that the mining activities are legal and being carried out only after obtaining all necessary clearances.