High Court lifts ban on desilting at Anandpur Sahib-Agampur bridge, allows work till June 30
PTC Web Desk: : The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday lifted its earlier stay on the desilting work being carried out beneath the Anandpur Sahib-Agampur bridge in Rupnagar district, accepting the Punjab Government's contention that the exercise is necessary to prevent potential flooding and damage to the bridge structure ahead of the monsoon season.
During the hearing, the Punjab Government informed the court that only one of the seven gates at the bridge is currently allowing the flow of water, while the remaining six gates are blocked due to heavy silt accumulation. The state argued that desilting is essential to restore the functioning of these gates and ensure the smooth passage of water.
The government further submitted that failure to undertake desilting could result in serious damage to Gate No. 1 and increase the risk of flooding in the area during the upcoming monsoon season.
The court also took note of a report submitted by the Deputy Commissioner of Rupnagar, which stated that no illegal mining activities were taking place at the site. The report clarified that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had not imposed any restriction on desilting operations and that its earlier order pertained only to the commercial mining tender process.
After hearing all parties, the High Court withdrew its June 8 order that had temporarily halted the mining and desilting activities beneath the bridge.
However, the court permitted the desilting work only until June 30 and made it clear that no further activity would be allowed at the site beyond that date without prior approval from the court.
The High Court also issued a stern warning, stating that if any instance of illegal mining is detected during the course of the operation, the Deputy Commissioner of Rupnagar will be held personally responsible.
- PTC NEWS
