Ludhiana Villagers Escalate Protest Against Alleged Illegal Mining in Satluj River
In a significant development, tensions have continued to mount in Khera Bet village near Ludhiana as local residents protesting against what they describe as "illegal mining" forced workers to remove one of the poclain machines from the Satluj river on Sunday night. The removal occurred after protesters, who have been maintaining a steadfast morcha near the riverbank, intensified pressure on the agency conducting operations that the administration officially labels as "desilting."
Protesters Compel Machinery Removal Amid Rising Tensions
According to local sources, the demonstrators successfully compelled the agency to withdraw one of the three poclain machines from the designated desilting site. The situation prompted a response from authorities on Monday, when a team comprising civil administration officials and police personnel arrived at the location to engage with protesters in an effort to defuse the escalating tension.
Ravinderpal Singh Raju, a prominent figure in the ongoing protest movement, confirmed that one poclain machine was indeed extracted from the river area on Sunday night. He further alleged that the visiting administrative team on Monday threatened to register criminal cases against the protesters. Raju stated unequivocally that "protesters were prepared to face FIRs to stop illegal mining" if necessary.
Administration's Desilting Versus Villagers' Mining Allegations
Gurdev Singh of Noorpur Bet, another active protester, articulated the core disagreement between villagers and authorities. While the administration characterizes the activity as legitimate desilting, Singh contends that the removal of silt for commercial purposes constitutes illegal mining. He expressed grave concerns about the structural integrity of the embankment near Khaira Bet village, noting it was already weakened and that continued excavation could exacerbate the situation dangerously.
According to Singh's assessment, if mining operations persist, the embankment would become incapable of withstanding flood conditions, substantially increasing the risk of water inundating the village. Protesters have vowed to continue their agitation until a permanent solution is implemented, explicitly stating they will not permit what they characterize as "mining under the guise of desilting."
District Administration's Official Position and Justification
The district administration has recently issued statements clarifying its position on the matter. Officials maintain that an allotted desilting site exists within the Khaira Bet complex in Ludhiana district and that all activities conducted there are fully legal and authorized. The administration justifies the use of heavy machinery by citing the time-bound nature of the work required.
According to the official statement, Khaira Bet experienced devastating floods in 2025 that caused extensive damage to nearby settlements and agricultural lands. Significant deposits of sand and silt accumulated in front of the bandh (embankment), prompting the proposal to desilt the area. The stated objectives include:
- Widening the water flow channel
- Digging a trench to divert water flow
- Protecting the bandh, settlements, and farmland from future flooding
The administration further detailed that repair work and new boulder constructions—including A-spurs, studs, and revetments—were proposed along the bandh. Strengthening the bandh through excavation inside the river was identified as an essential component of the comprehensive plan. Authorities have assured that any damage to roads or property resulting from these operations would be promptly repaired, emphasizing that these measures are specifically designed to reduce pressure on the bandh and safeguard agricultural land and human lives in the vulnerable region.
