On Navjot Sidhu's petition, NGT issues summons to Punjab govt, Ropar DM over illegal mining

Chandigarh, January 15

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has summoned the government, District Magistrate, Ropar, and officials on the Mining Department in connection with a petition filed by former PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu regarding illegal mining in the state.

The petition came up for hearing in the tribunal today. In the petition, Sidhu has claimed systematic failure of the state to implement the environment laws, address environmental damage and recover substantial sum owed in compensation for violations.

Addressing the media after court hearing, Sidhu said the petition sought to hold the government and the department accountable to enforce environmental safeguards regarding mining in Ropar.

Due to illegal mining, the rate of sand trolley had gone from Rs 3,000 during the previous Congress government to Rs 21,000 in the AAP-ruled state. This has impacted the economy of the state and affected the construction activity.

Various factors like overlooking district survey reports, missing replenishment studies, mining in erosion zones are among the issue raised by Sidhu in his petition.