In a move that could have serious repercussions for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government, the state’s Lokpal has issued a show-cause notice to the Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal and Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) chairman Prof Dr Adarsh Pal Vig, holding them accountable for their alleged failure to stop illegal mining operations in Mohali district. Goyal, holding the key portfolios of mines and geology, water resources, and land and water conservation, is under scrutiny after serious allegations regarding the State Government's negligence in tackling illegal mining and environmental violations.

The notice was issued by Punjab Lokpal Justice (retired) Vinod K Sharma following a detailed complaint filed by RTI activist and lawyer Nikhil Saraf. The complaint, backed by reports from the PPCB and National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, claimed that the State Government, instead of curbing illegal mining, actually facilitated the reopening of illegal crushers and screening plants in the Majri block of Kharar tehsil in Mohali, which had previously been shut down in 2022.

The crux of the complaint is that after the change of government in 2022, illegal crushers and screening plants were temporarily shut down, bringing much-needed relief to residents of nearby villages who were plagued by air pollution and noise from the mining operations. However, the brief respite was short-lived. According to the complaint, the AAP-led Punjab Government, rather than taking action against the illegal operators, granted permission for the same crushers and screening plants to resume operations. This, Saraf argued, not only violated the law but also undermined the previous efforts to restore environmental balance in the region.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, the complaint pointed to a 2020 NGT order that identified a large-scale illegal mining scam in the neighboring Ropar district, worth over Rs 630 crore, and alleged that the scam in the Majri block of Mohali could exceed Rs 1,000 crore. Despite these findings, the complaint alleged that the government continued to turn a blind eye to the violations, allowing mining operations to continue near schools, colleges, and residential areas, thus endangering public health and the environment.

The complaint further accused Goyal and other officials of gross misconduct, abuse of power, and corruption, claiming that they have failed to comply with environmental regulations and have been complicit in the illegal excavation of resources. Saraf argued that the actions of these officials not only harm the environment but also tarnish the ideals of a free and just nation.

In response to these serious allegations, the Lokpal has also directed PPCB member secretary GS Majithia, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain, and Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek to respond to the charges and appear before the Lokpal, “either in person or through duly authorized advocates”, on May 12.