A damning official report has laid bare the rampant illegal extraction of minor minerals along the banks of the Satluj river in Punjab's Ropar district. The investigation, conducted by the state's mining department, was spurred by sustained public agitation and points to significant violations in ecologically sensitive zones, including areas near a crucial bridge connecting two Sikh takhts.
Key Findings of the Mining Department Report
The official document, now on record, details that large-scale illegal mining was ongoing near the downstream of the 1.1 km long 'Sangatpur Thana bridge'. The affected sites are specifically on the right side of the Satluj river banks at Gobindpur Bela and Saidpur villages in the Nurpur Bedi area. The report meticulously documents that the illegally mined material was being transported to a stone crusher unit located within Saidpur village, establishing a clear trail of infractions.
In a significant revelation, eyewitnesses provided anonymous testimony to mining officials, naming an individual from Bhauwal village in Nurpur Bedi as being involved in carrying out the illicit activity. Officials have hinted that further investigation based on this report could unearth more influential names in the near future.
Ecological Fragility and Public Outcry
The department has flagged the identified locations as "ecologically fragile and strategically important". It critically notes that some of the very stretches of the Satluj now scarred by illegal mining were among the worst-hit during the recent devastating floods, which caused massive damage to agriculture, embankments, and bridges. Despite this vulnerability, the extraction continued unabated.
The report's compilation and release came directly after persistent agitation by farmers' unions, local villagers, and social organisations. These groups had repeatedly highlighted the role of unchecked illegal mining in exacerbating the flood damage. Widespread protests across Nurpur Bedi, Anandpur Sahib, and nearby areas over the past week pushed the issue to the forefront, ultimately compelling the department to inspect and formalize its findings.
Protesting residents had held a massive gathering on December 27, following which mining officials conducted a two-day inspection at Gobindpur Bela and Saidpur villages.
Official Reactions and Demands for Action
While most officials remained tight-lipped, Anandpur Sahib SDM Jaspreet Singh confirmed that the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Anandpur Sahib had submitted a report on illegal mining and had been called for discussions on the issue.
In contrast, when contacted, Nurpur Bedi SDO (Mining) Gurjit Singh denied the claims in the report, stating, "We verified the site in Saidpur village and found that it's a legal desilting site." Meanwhile, Nurpur Bedi police station SHO Rohit Sharma said he had not yet received the report, adding that action would be taken upon receiving credible information.
Local communities have expressed anger, alleging that political representatives remained silent for years as illegal mining flourished. There is a growing demand that the report should not be confined to departmental files but be made fully public, with time-bound action taken on its recommendations to hold the perpetrators accountable and protect the fragile river ecosystem.
