MOHALI: Two years ago, Jagjit Singh, constructed his house in Salempur Khurd village in Kurali, 25 km from Chandigarh. The 45-year-old had saved money over the years to construct the house, which was surrounded by lush green fields. Today, when he looks around, only trenches up to 20ft deep are visible from his house. The sudden change is due to rampant
illegal mining in the village and around.
"Mining mafia has changed the shape of land around the village. My house is under grave threat as the pit recently dug by the mafia is barely 50 feet away. When it will rain, soil will loosen and my house can collapse. The mining officers must take action fast so that the house can be saved," said Jagjit .
The alarming state due to the illegal mining had forced Jagjit to leave his job last month as a private driver in Ropar. " I have left every thing to save this house, which is the only roof for my family of five. If something happens to this house, I will lose everything".
He said repeated complaints to the mining officers and police officials have failed to attract any action against the menace.
The land next to Jagjit's house is owned by local residents of the same village, who allegedly allowed mining over it for over Rs 2 lakh. An FIR too has been lodged against them for the offence.
"I spent sleepless nights moving around the village at night and collecting proof to convince the mining officer and cops to act against sand mining mafia. Despite calling mining officers and the station house officer in Kurali, nothing has changed".
Jagjit also showed another site in Saini Majra village, where mining has caused major damage to supply pipes of a tubewell. The villagers have been spending money from their own pocket to keep the tubewell functional.
