They also demanded an investigation into the matter and strict action if illegal mining was found.
Tension prevailed in Bhankharpur village in the Dera Bassi area on Tuesday over alleged illegal mining under the guise of de-silting in the Ghaggar River.
The village panchayat and a large number of villagers protested, forcing the ongoing work to be halted. Villagers alleged that the administration had permitted only the removal of silt under the de-silting project; however, the contractor is accused of extracting sand using heavy machinery, which is a clear violation of the rules.
Dera Bassi Police Station SHO Sumit Mor arrived at the scene, listened to both sides, and brought the situation under control. The de-silting work was completely halted for several hours.
Present at the site, Bhankharpur village sarpanch’s husband, Jagpreet Singh Jaggi, alleged that the de-silting contract was awarded solely for removing silt from the river to ensure smooth water flow during the monsoon season and to reduce the risk of flooding. However, contrary to this, the contractor was extracting sand using large machines, which not only violates government regulations but also causes serious environmental damage. He said that if the de-silting work was genuinely being carried out as per rules, the contractor should publicly present all related approval letters and conditions at the site.
The villagers demanded that the contractor show documents related to the de-silting contract, environmental clearance, and mining regulations.
They also demanded an investigation into the matter and strict action if illegal mining was found.
Station Officer Sumit Mor stated that the contractor had shown the panchayat and villagers documents related to de-silting. Mining department officials also arrived at the scene.
Meanwhile, Drainage-cum-Mining Department Junior Engineer Anuj Tomar, who was present at the site, claimed that the de-silting work was being carried out strictly as per the government-issued contract and prescribed rules.
He termed the villagers’ opposition to the de-silting work as baseless and requested those with objections to submit a written complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, Mohali.
The JE also clarified that de-silting work is permitted from around 9 am to 5:30 pm.
On the other hand, residents questioned the administration and the government, stating that while the government repeatedly claims that illegal mining will not be allowed anywhere in the state, the ground reality is completely different.
People alleged that there is hardly any area left in the Dera Bassi region where illegal mining is not taking place. Villagers said that the concerned departments and administration have completely failed to curb illegal mining, the consequences of which are being borne by the general public and the environment.
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