Seal illegal crushers, install CCTVs at registered ones: Bains

Chandigarh: Punjab education minister and MLA from Anandpur Sahib, Harjot Singh Bains, on Saturday issued a slew of directives to curb illegal minisng in Ropar district. Bains also directed the district authorities to seal all unregistered crushers immediately.
He also directed officials to ensure the installation of high-resolution night vision closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras with a 360-degree view at registered crushers, besides installing CCTV cameras on all critical routes and pathways, which could be used for transporting mining materials, as well as in areas identified as hotspots for illegal mining. To increase transparency in mining operations, the education minister directed authorities to verify the records of the past three months of those crushers against whom complaints were received. This verification must be completed within 15 days. In another order, Bains directed the sealing of the Agampur Bridge area, where illegal mining activities were reported. He said that the area must be secured with barbed wires, and display boards should be installed with warnings that trespassers will be prosecuted. He also ordered all JEs and SDOs to ensure round-the-clock vigilance to prevent illegal mining activities, while emphasising holding district officials accountable for any negligence or collusion with illegal mining operators, regardless of their influence or political connections. Contractors operating at all legal mining sites have also been strictly warned against engaging in any unfair practices. The education minister informed that a team of experts from IIT Rupnagar will conduct site surveys to verify compliance and identify any violations. Contractors found exceeding their authorised mining area will face severe penalties and legal action.
"Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab govt has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining. Anyone found engaging in this illegal practice will face severe consequences," the minister said.
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