Illegal sand mining unabated in Fazilka, 44 held in 6 months

Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, August 23

There is no legal sand quarry in Fazilka but illegal mining seems to be going on unabated in the district.

The police booked two persons for illegal sand mining and recovered two sand-laden tractor-trailers in Noorshah village of the district on Saturday. On August 15, the police had booked two persons and confiscated two sand-laden tractor-trailers. On August 9, it arrested three persons and recovered two tractor-trailers and on August 5, it seized three trucks of sand in Fazilka town.

SSP Harjeet Singh said 64 cases had been filed under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act in the district during the past six months and 44 persons had been arrested.

Sources said Sukhera Bodla, Kathgarh and Lamochar Kalan areas of Jalalabad subdivision and Salemshah and Gaganke areas of Fazilka segment, from where the Sutlej creek passes, are the hotspots for the illegal practice.

Executive Engineer, Mining, Pawan Kapoor said no case of any organised theft had been reported in Fazilka. He said surprise checks were being conducted and the department had recommended action against some persons. Deputy Commissioner Arvind Pal Singh Sandhu said a proposal had been sent to the government for an approval to set up some sand quarries in the district.