Stepping into the issue of illegal mining in Ropar, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday issued notice to the Punjab Government, Ropar’s District Commissioner, and others on a petition filed by senior Congress leader and former Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu. The case is now scheduled for further proceedings on March 11.
Sidhu, addressing the media after the hearing in New Delhi on Monday, expressed concern not only about the specific case in Ropar but also about the broader issue of deteriorating conditions across Punjab. He emphasized that such activities are driven by personal gains, and the NGT petition has effectively made the Punjab Government, the District Commissioner, and the Mining Department parties to the case.
Cricketer-turned-politician highlighted the adverse effects of illegal mining on the environment and the economy, deviating from the teachings of their spiritual leaders. He stated that politicians have started accumulating wealth for their benefit. Although the Punjab government faces fines totaling Rs 630 crores, no payment has been made so far, he pointed out.
Accusing ministers of encouraging illegal mining, Sidhu minced no words to say that politicians, officers, and police officials from the Punjab Government are involved in this black business. He called for immediate action against officers participating in these illegal activities.
Furthermore, Sidhu questioned the accuracy of mining reports, stating that the survey reports were incorrect and lacked both expertise and proper technology. He pointed out that illegal mining has led to deep pits of up to 50 feet, raising concerns about flooding in the area.
Expressing gratitude towards the NGT for issuing notices to the Punjab Government, the District Magistrate, and relevant officials regarding alleged illegal sand mining in Rupnagar, Sidhu said: “I would like to thank the National Green Tribunal Honourable Court. Some very important issues related to the environment and economy of Punjab have been brought to the attention and cognizance of the Court, and the Court has also taken immediate action. This is such a double-edged sword that is hampering not only our environment but also our economy.”
In his petition, Sidhu raised several compelling contentions highlighting the adverse environmental impact and the imminent danger of flooding due to rampant illegal mining in Ropar district. Sidhu contended that extensive illegal mining, using heavy machinery and crushers in Ropar, is causing detrimental effects on the environment. He emphasized that the unauthorized, irregular, and unscientific mining activities can alter the course of rivers, posing a heightened risk of floods in the region as was witnessed in the months of June and August the previous year.
Sidhu, in his petition, also presented evidence suggesting the involvement of government officials in these illegal activities. He urged for the identification of these officers overseeing areas where unauthorized mining is taking place, and initiating stringent actions against such officials to ensure accountability.
Expressing urgency, Sidhu stated in the petition that immediate steps must be taken to halt illegal mining activities. He underscored the potential devastation that Ropar faces if these illicit practices are not promptly addressed. Sidhu emphasized the urgency, pointing out that individuals engaged in this unlawful business are showing disregard for the orders issued by the NGT.
Punjab earns record Rs 472.50-cr revenue from mining
Punjab Government has collected a total revenue of Rs 472.50 crore over the past two financial years. Sharing the information, the state Mining and Geology Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra on Monday claimed that the record revenue was achieved despite offering sand and gravel at historically affordable rates. The Minister highlighted that the Department achieved revenues of Rs 247 crore in the financial year 2022-23 and Rs 225.50 crore in the ongoing financial year 2023-24 up to January 2, 2024, from various major heads.
Elaborating on the revenue collection, he mentioned that revenue receipt from public mines sites (PMS) stands at Rs 13.5 crore, commercial mining sites (CMS) at Rs 8.8 crore, interstate activities Rs 146.1 crore, brick kiln owners license at Rs 22.5 crores, revenue from short term permits Rs 96.03 crores, from penalty imposed under Rule 75 at Rs 7.92 crores, from other sources like crusher, registrations, crusher EMF, demand notices, vehicle permits etc at Rs 94.21 crore, revenue from de-silting sites Rs 30.86 crore, and revenue receipt from blocks remained at Rs 60 crores.
“Revenue from de-silting sites is excluded in the current financial year due to the Punjab and Haryana High Court order, resulting in an approximate loss of Rs 450 crores due to surrendering of de-silting sites from the Mining Department,” he pointed. The Minister projected revenues of Rs 307 crore for the financial year 2023-24 and Rs 300 crore for the subsequent financial year 2024-25.
“Apart from this, the state government has cracked down heavily on the sand mafia with registering record FIRs and arresting people involved in illegal mining compared to previous dispensations,” he said.
