Illegal mining: Four tractors impounded

Our Correspondent

UNA, SEPTEMBER 24

Acting against illegal mining in Una Sub Division, SDM Dr Suresh Jaswal last night impounded four tractors involved in illegal mining. He led raids in Swan river and its tributaries in Jankaur, Nangran and Fatehpur panchayats besides Santoshgarh Nagar panchayat.

The SDM has issued instructions to mining lease holders to restrict their activities within the leased area and avoid use of heavy machinery for excavating sand and gravel from the river beds. He said illegal mining would not be tolerated at any cost.

Most of the tractor drivers involved in illegal mining remove registration number plates of the vehicles while indulging in the illegal act. Illegal and unscientific mining using heavy machinery has been adversely affecting the ground water aquifer and also damaging roads as vehicles carry extra loads to minimise paying royalty on mining material to the government, which is charged per trip. — OC