Amid escalating flood concerns triggered by heavy rainfall in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, the Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP Government for failing to implement the annual monsoon mining ban. BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal accused the state administration of gross negligence, warning that the government’s inaction could spell disaster for vulnerable communities in flood-prone regions.
Baliawal pointed out that mining in riverbeds is officially prohibited every year between July 1 and September 30 to protect riverbanks, prevent soil erosion, and maintain natural flow patterns during the monsoon. “Despite the clear guidelines, sand and gravel mining continues unabated in several districts. The government’s silence is both shocking and dangerous,” he said.
The BJP leader also lashed out at the state’s lack of preparedness in terms of flood control infrastructure. “Protective embankments and bunds have neither been repaired nor reinforced. With rivers in spate and flood warnings already issued, the state should be in emergency mode — but no visible action has been taken,” he said.
Raising questions over the motives behind this inaction, Baliawal asked whether the state machinery was under the influence of the sand mafia. “Is this complacency or collusion? Has the AAP become so arrogant that it is willing to risk lives to protect vested interests?” he asked.
He demanded immediate enforcement of the mining ban, urgent repair of embankments, and strict accountability from the departments concerned. “This isn’t just policy failure — it’s a betrayal of public trust. The government’s priorities are clearly misplaced, and it’s the people of Punjab who will bear the brunt of this criminal negligence,” Baliawal warned.