After flood pause, Ropar mining mafia back to plunder Swan bed

Weeks after the floodwaters receded in Ropar district, residents of the villages situated along the Swan and Sutlej banks have alleged resumption of illegal mining in the area.

A complaint in this regard has been made to the district administration by residents of Algran and Bhalan villages. According to them, tippers loaded with illegally mined sand and gravel can be seen operating during night hours. Plying of these heavy vehicles has damaged the temporary paths built by the government to help flood-affected residents cross the rivers safely, say locals.

Tikka Yashvir Chand, president of the Ilaka Sangarsh Committee, a local body formed to fight against illegal mining say that despite several written complaints, the administration has failed to take any concrete action so far.

“Illegal mining takes place every night in the Swan and Sutlej riverbeds. Tippers loaded with stones and sand ply on the temporary paths, rendering these unusable for even two-wheelers riders. This forces villagers to wade through muddy patches on foot,” says Chand.

The government has not sanctioned any legal mining site in Algran and Bhalan villages. “Despite the absence of any official permit, the mining mafia continues its operations fearlessly. Several stone crushers are functioning illegally, drawing material directly from the riverbeds,” he added. “The floods had already devastated our homes and farms. Now, the riverbeds are being dug up, putting our lives and livelihood at risk,” says a Bhalan villager.

Local organisations and activists have urged the district administration to launch a strict crackdown on illegal mining. They have also demanded round-the-clock patrolling in vulnerable areas along the rivers to prevent night-time operations by the mining mafia.

Minister Harjot Singh Bains was not available for comments. He did not respond to even WhatsApp messages.

Ropar Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia says he was yet to receive any written complaint on the issue. Still the officers would be directed to conduct raids to check illegal mining, he added.