To eliminate the sand mafia from the state, Punjab Government is reviewing the current mining policy to bring in a new one that would be people-friendly. Besides, the government would closely monitor every mining operation with the help of technology, including CCTVs, drones.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, during his meeting with the sand contractors along with Mining Minister Harjot Singh Bains and other officials, asked them to strictly comply with the terms and conditions of mining stipulated in the agreement done with the State Government to ensure hassle-free and smooth supply of sand to the people on the rates fixed by the State.

Mann, reasserting his commitment to completely eliminate the sand mafia, asked the contractors to keep the supply of sand smooth so that people do not have any shortage for construction material.

Reiterating his government’s firm commitment to ensure seamless supply of construction material to the people at the affordable rates, the Chief Minister said that the current mining policy is being reviewed meticulously so as to formulate a new comprehensive pro-people mining policy.

Bains, after the meeting, said that the State Government is bringing new technology to check illegal mining. “The sand mining will be monitored through drones. Boards will be put up at every sand mining site showing that these are “legal sites”. Besides, CCTV cameras will also be installed at every sand mining site which will be monitored from the Central Control Room,” he said. Apart from this, drone mapping of all sand mining sites will be done to save the environment.

Mann, during the meeting, said that the Mines and Geology Department is also now in the process to reassess the available quantity of sand at the existing mining sites and subsequently, new sites would also be included in the forthcoming mining policy after comprehensive study.

“The Mines and Geology Department would be strengthened with requisite manpower and latest technology so as to enhance its capacity,” he added. 

Responding to the issue raised by the contractors about their harassment at the hands of police besides other musclemen acting on the behest of local leaders and petty political functionaries, Mann assured them that absolutely no interference and political pressure from any of his Minister, MLA, or party volunteers would be tolerated.

“Despite all this, even in few remotest cases, someone still forces you to resort illegal practices, then you should record the conversation either in audio or video mode and upload the same on the ‘Anti Corruption Action Line’ number 9501-200-200 and the guilty would not be spared at any costs,” he said.

At the same time, Mann said that if any complaint about malpractices being done by the sand contractors is brought into his notice, they would also face the similar action and not expect any sort of leniency from him.

Apprising the Chief Minister about creating awareness amongst the public about the difference between legal and illegal mining sites, Mining Minister Bains said that display boards with relevant information would be installed at the demarcated legal sites.