Ban on paper as mining continues in Swan

Our Correspondent

UNA, AUGUST 1

Though the government has banned mining in the Swan and its tributaries from July 1 to September 15 so that sand and gravel on the riverbeds can be replenished during the rains, illegal mining is going on unabated.

Trucks laden with sand and gravel can be seen moving out of the state through about 20 inter-state barriers and several unmanned roads, particularly during the night.

Civil construction works, be it in the private or public sector, continue to run despite the ban, while the crusher and mining association maintains that it is on strike against the ban orders.

State president of the association Dimple Thakur said not a single crusher was functional and that the mining was being done illegally. The association has demanded that the authorities should take action against illegal miners.

Meanwhile, mining department officials conducted raids in the Swan in Santoshgarh last night. District Mining Officer Neeraj Kant said 14 tractors were seen involved in illegal mining, adding that Rs 67,050 was imposed as fine. He said the department would continue raids to ensure the implementation of the ban orders on mining.

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Photo attached :

Una-1Aug-1 : Illegal mining in full spate in the Swan river bed in Santoshgarh area of Una district.

Photo : RAJESH SHARMA