Big relief for Punjab, HC allows sand mining in Pathankot, Rupnagar and Fazilka

Chandigarh, January 10: In a major relief to Punjab Government, Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed sand mining in Pathankot, Rupnagar and Fazilka. 

Reprimanding Punjab Government over illegal mining and its attitude towards water resources, Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday said that state might soon face drought like conditions. While hearing the case of illegal mining, HC said that Punjab has lost its canals to illegal mining. Citing the report of CIAH, honorable court said that mining has ruined Punjab’s natural resources. 

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In the same hearing Punjab government also sought ban removal on desilting, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court denied the demand stating that nothing can be allowed without EC or DSR approval. 

Meanwhile, CIAH's lawyer claimed that silt has no market value; the government was doing illegal mining in the name of desilting. HC said that Punjab Govt’s focus is just to appease the people whereas this should not happen, what the government is doing today would affect the generations to come.

“Punjab government is completely confused about mining and desilting. Government thinks both are same, we will not let this happen. We have explained desilting to you, so now you can further explain it to govt,” said HC to lawyer representing state Government.

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