Illegal transportation of mining material from HP to be probed

Pathankot Deputy Commissioner (DC) Aditya Uppal has taken a strict notice of trucks laden with mining material illegally entering the city from Himachal Pradesh and has initiated

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a probe.

Hundreds of trucks enter the state through the Dhakki mining check-post, near the Air Force station. This has been going on for the past few days, forcing the DC to act. “Later, they sell their produce in various cities of Punjab. This development is hitting the financial interests of Punjab-based miners,” said an officer.

“I have ordered a comprehensive probe. The report will be submitted to me shortly. Action will be taken accordingly,” said DC Uppal.

Sources say trucks cannot legally enter Punjab from any state without proper documents. However, throwing all norms to the wind, these vehicles enter Punjab at night to escape the attention of Punjab mining officials.

“Some political bigwigs are involved. Otherwise, these trucks cannot enter Punjab,” said a businessman of the city dealing in mining material. “In the rainy season, no mining activity is taking place in Punjab. However, after September 20, when the rainy season ends and mining activity resumes, we will incur massive losses if these trucks are not stopped from coming to the city.”

Akash Aggarwal, Executive Engineer (Mining), said he was apprised of the development, and that action would be taken immediately if there were any violations. “In fact, my department has already challaned several vehicles over the past few days. Nevertheless, I am looking into the matter,” he said.

SSP Daljinder Singh Dhillon said impounding or taking action against trucks entering Punjab without proper documentation was the job of the Mining Department.