Patiala MP writes to Centre, seeks probe into illegal sand mining along Ghaggar

Congress Lok Sabha MP Dharamavira Gandhi on Thursday wrote to the Centre, seeking an immediate probe into alleged illegal sand mining along the Ghaggar river near Mohali’s Chhatbir zoo.

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Reacting to it, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain said a probe into the issue is already under way and if proved right, strict action will be taken against those found involved in the practice.

In a letter to Union Environment and Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav, Gandhi alleged that illegal sand mining is taking place just 200 metres away from the zoo, which was in clear violation of Supreme Court orders and guidelines of the ministry.

Those involved in the illegal practice were given contracts only for de-silting work, the Patiala MP said. He said the practice was also causing damage to the ecology of the area.

“Vast areas, running into hundreds of acres, have been subjected to mining, with no evidence of the supposed de-silting activities. This has led to significant ecological degradation,” he said.

“The construction of an unauthorised bridge over the river to facilitate mining equipment movement is altering the natural water flows, potentially endangering aquatic life and increasing flood risks,” the MP added.

The Congress leader also accused the local administration and state government of inaction. “I had informed the Mohali administration about this illegal mining in a meeting, yet no action was taken,” he said.

According to experts, the area has rich wildlife, including deers, turtles, snakes, birds of different species and trees.

“Any disturbance in this area and illegal mining will only create a natural disaster since it falls within a few hundred metres of the ecologically sensitive Chhatbir buffer zone. “Buffer zones act as a natural perimeter around the core wild area and serve as natural fencing for wildlife,” an expert said. A wildlife official said regular movement of trucks “disturbs the wildlife”. “Keep me out of it since the issue is politically sensitive,” he added.

The Mohali Deputy Commissioner told The Tribune that de-silting operations being carried out at the site behind the Chhatbir zoo are being monitored directly by officials of the Mining and Irrigation Department.

“However, when the matter was brought to my notice, a three-member committee comprising officials of the district administration and the department concerned was formed to check the veracity of the allegations. A report in this regard will be submitted soon. Action will be initiated against anyone found guilty,” Jain said.