In a significant operation against illegal mining, the Ropar administration on Monday seized seven poclain machines in a single night in the Sainsowal-Sawara-Harsa Bela area of the Nangal division. The crackdown was carried out under the directives of Deputy Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal and SSP Maninder Singh.
Joint Raid by Civil and Police Teams
A team comprising Nangal SDM Sachin Pathak, CIA inspector Mandeep Singh, and eight other police officials conducted the raid during the night. The team split into two groups to chase the machines from both sides of the riverbed, successfully seizing six poclain machines. SDM Pathak described this as the largest single seizure of such machinery.
Another team led by XEN Mining Bhavuk Sharma raided the Swan riverbed and seized an additional poclain machine. The combined efforts of civil and police teams came in response to recent complaints about illegal mining activities in the area.
Zero Tolerance Approach
SDM Pathak stated that these raids are part of a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining, as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The administration expects these actions to serve as a strong deterrent against future violations.
Deputy Commissioner Dachalwal expressed satisfaction with the operation and urged the public to actively report any instances of illegal mining. He emphasized that the administration is duty-bound to implement the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines in letter and spirit to protect the environment and natural resources.
The seized machinery has been taken into custody, and further investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the illegal mining operations.
