No leniency against illegal miners: Harjot Singh Bains

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Chandigarh, August 7

The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been making all- out efforts from day one against illegal mining, said Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Harjot Singh Bains.

He said since the formation of AAP government (March 19) 306 cases have been registered against miners.

Bains said 52 cases (highest ever) had been registered against mining in Hoshiarpur district alone. He said their government’s stand on illegal mining was crystal clear and no one indulging in this practice would be spared even if he/she was a leader or worker of their own party.

If kin involved, will take action If anyone from my family is involved in this illegal practice, I myself will ensure that strict action is taken against them. —Harjot S Bains, Miines and Geology Minister

The Cabinet minister said: “If anyone from my family is involved in this illegal practice, I myself will ensure that strict action is taken against them.”

Bains said he had received complaints regarding illegal mining in Kahiwal village under his constituency. Taking immediate action, the police and department teams were sent to the spot to thoroughly investigate the matter. He said cases were registered against perpetrators at Anandpur Sahib police station after investigation. He said strict instructions had already been issued to officials that if any complaint regarding mining was received, immediate action should be taken.

The minister said some tainted officers of the Mining Department were not doing their duty honestly. Actions were taken against them and mining officers of Rupnagar and Pathankot were suspended.