Villagers block state highway to protest against illegal mining

The Committee also threatened to intensify its stir if the district administration failed to take action. The agitators also raised slogans against the state government and the mining contractor.

Accusing the contractor of illegally mining sand from near Kanaun village,the protesters alleged that despite complaints to the district administration in this regard,no action has been taken. Members of sangharsh committee said around 40 to 50 villages in the Bet area could face heavy floods as the illegal mining had weakened the dhussi bandh close to the Rahon-Machhiwara bridge and had changed the course of the river.

They also said that demarcation of mining areas by the department of industries was a ‘joke’,as authorities had failed to check encroachments. Villagers also said that on August 9,machines and trucks,being used for illegal mining at night,were seized in the presence of village panchayats,but no action had been taken.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nawanshahr could not be contacted for her comments while Shiv Kumar,tehsildar,present at the stir,said the demarcation of mining areas had been carried out about three months back on the directions of the DC. He added that authorities were willing to conduct the process afresh in the presence of people.