Channi questions officials’ inaction over ‘illegal sand mining’ in Ropar

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Congress MP claims excavation continued at night despite contacting DC; seeks probe into alleged revenue loss

Ropar: Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has alleged large-scale illegal sand mining along the Sutlej river in Saidpur and Beihara villages of the Nurpur Bedi block, questioning the district administration’s response to the activity.

Channi visited the alleged mining site around 1 am on Thursday night, accompanied by Congress leader Barinder Dhillon, party workers and security personnel. He travelled to the location in a tipper, according to the account.

Channi alleged that excavation was underway using Poklane machines and tippers. He also claimed that some vehicles operating at the site did not have registration plates, raising questions about enforcement of mining regulations.

He said some people allegedly attempted to flee, leaving vehicles and equipment behind, while efforts were made to move machinery and tippers away. Channi added that he stopped some drivers to seek information about the activity.

Questions over officials’ response

Channi said he contacted the Ropar Deputy Commissioner by telephone and requested that officials be sent to the site. However, he alleged that no officials arrived despite a considerable wait.

He questioned how the administration could remain unaware of mining allegedly taking place on such a scale at night and why no immediate action had been taken.

Ex-CM alleges revenue loss

The Congress MP alleged that hundreds of sand-laden tippers leave the area daily, causing losses to the state exchequer. He further accused Aam Aadmi Party leaders and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann of benefitting from the alleged illegal mining, but the claims were not independently verified.

Referring to the state government’s claim of generating Rs 20,000 crore annually from mining, Channi sought details of the revenue actually reaching the state treasury.

He also alleged that illegal mining was taking place under official protection and that the proceeds were being used to contest elections in other states.

Channi demanded an investigation into the alleged mining and action against those found responsible.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Government and the district administration are yet to respond to the allegations.