Illegal mining in Panchkula: Days after arrest of contractors, residents demand strict patrol

Panchkula district is divided into two blocks - Kalka and Panchkula - in view of mining and five sites are allotted for it. Three sites are in Kalka block.

A dug-up spot near Asrewali village in Panchkula district. (Express photo by Jaipal Singh)

Three days after two contractors – Saradara Singh and Khan Mohammed – were arrested for carrying out mining between Jaswant Garh and Asrewali village and two tippers and one earth mover were seized, the residents demanded “strict regular patrolling”.

The residents of Asrewali and Jaswant Garh villages alleged illegal mining continues unabated on the banks of two seasonal rivulets passing through the area, despite action by mining department and local police. Villagers told Chandigarh Newsline people, involved in the crime, prefer to dig the land for gravel during night. A section of local people is also involved in the illegal mining, villagers maintained.

Razaq Mohammed, former sarpanch of Jaswant Garh, said the mining department and local police only react when someone files a complaint about the illegal mining. “Otherwise, mining continues here unabated. I along with other villagers have filed at least seven complaints. Though, action was taken, authorities should start strict regular patrolling in this area. The menace is high near Asarewali, which situated on the bank of a seasonal rivulet, and touches the boundaries of Morni hills. The rivulet also goes through Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory.”

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A visit at Asarewali village revealed the deep patches adjoining the rivulet where illegal mining had been carried out. Two women present near the site, requesting anonymity, said it is a private land, which is being used for mining. “Three days back, two teams of government officials and a few policemen came here and took away three vehicles during night. We came to know about the development next morning,” says one.

The tippers and JCB were found parked near the houses of local residents. Panchkula mining officer Rajeev Dhiman said complaints are being received, on which prompt action is being taken.

“Local residents are also involved in the mining and we have fined a number of them. The contractors, Singh and Mohammed, were fined earlier also for the illegal mining. This time, they were arrested. These villages fall in the Panchkula block of mining and mining is prohibited in their jurisdiction. Whenever we received a complaint, we recommend registration of FIRs,” said the mining officer.

Panchkula district is divided into two blocks – Kalka and Panchkula – in view of mining and five sites are allotted for it. Three sites are in Kalka block.

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Sub-inspector Kashmir Singh confirmed two tippers, which were seized on November 11, were registered on the name of Khan. “Saradara Singh got the JCB machine on lease from one Anil Kumar, a resident of Naraingarh. Khan, Sardara Singh and their two drivers have been sent to judicial custody.”

A total 56 FIRs have been lodged related to illegal mining at three police stations of Chandimandir, Pinjore and Kalka this year.

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