Captain Amarinder Singh spots illegal mining from chopper, orders crackdown

The Chief Minister was flying to Kartarpur to dedicate to the nation the second phase of the Jang-e-Memorial monument when he spotted the blatantly illegal activity, largely in the Rahon area of Nawanshahr and also in Phillaur (Jalandhar). Amarinder immediately asked the helicopter pilot to fly lower and take a sortie around the river banks. With the sortie confirming his suspicions, he then ordered probe.

The CM also issued directions to DCs and SSPs of the districts concerned to crack down on the activity and seize the equipment, said the spokesperson. He further ordered that a detailed investigation be carried out to fix responsibility, followed by stern action against those found guilty.

The CM also instructed the DGP to expedite the formulation of a comprehensive strategy in coordination with the Mining Department and the district administration across the state to curb the illegal activity, a state government spokesperson said. A few weeks ago, Punjab Congress Chief Sunil Jakhar and minister Navjot Sidhu had admitted that illegal mining was still on.