Ajnala, 12 October, 2024: A sweeping crackdown on illegal mining in Punjab has uncovered an unauthorized excavation site in the village of Dhingai, Ajnala, in Amritsar district.
According to reports, the joint operation, led by the state’s mining department and local police, followed strict directives issued by Punjab Mining & Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal upon taking office.
Minister Goyal revealed that the operation uncovered machinery, including a poclain excavator, used for illegal mining, which was immediately seized. “We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s mandate, and such activities will not be tolerated,” Goyal stated.
Authorities discovered a questionable agreement between two individuals, Harpreet Singh and Jasbir Singh, purportedly authorizing soil excavation. The legitimacy of this agreement is under investigation. An FIR will be filed against those involved, and all machinery has been impounded.
The operation, monitored in real-time via body cameras on officers’ uniforms, allowed state officials in Chandigarh to supervise the raid remotely, ensuring transparency throughout the process. Goyal urged citizens to report any suspicious activities, affirming the government’s commitment to protecting natural resources.
