Extend full logistical support for illegal mining survey: HC to Punjab Govt
In a significant development aimed at tackling illegal mining in Punjab’s border districts, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed logistical, administrative and security support for ensuring obstruction-free survey of the areas along the Ravi and the Sutlej.
The examination of the areas along the two rivers in Pathankot, Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts is to be carried out by the Survey of India following allegations of rampant unauthorised extraction of minerals. Taking up the matter, the Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel made it clear that the necessary support, including equipment, transport and manpower, for the survey would be provided by the State of Punjab.
“The personnel of the revenue, mining and other departments etc. provided by the State of Punjab shall be treated on deputation with the Survey of India till the process of survey is not completed. The employees and officers of different departments of the State of Punjab or Centre, who are on deputation, shall remain under the administrative and disciplinary control of the Survey of India during the survey,” the Bench added.
The order follows an affidavit dated November 13, 2024, filed by the Survey of India in compliance with the HC’s earlier directive. The affidavit conveyed the agency’s readiness to conduct the survey, but highlighted the need for physical access to the affected areas, logistical support from local administrations, and crucial documents from the state and central agencies. These included documents from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Civil Aviation for air traffic control permissions and the Department of Mining.
Looking at the requirements and inter-departmental coordination necessary for the survey, the Bench ruled that the affidavit filed by the Survey of India should serve as a guiding document for all departments involved. The court added that all agencies were required to comply fully to facilitate the process without obstruction.
Recognising the financial implications of the large-scale survey, the high court directed that, for the time being, the entire expenditure incurred in conducting the survey would be borne by the Government of India. Setting a strict timeline for the exercise, the court asked the Survey of India to conduct and conclude the survey before submitting its report before the Bench by April 21.
