Rampant illegal sand mining in Moga becomes a threat
MOGA: With the monsoon set to arrive in the near future, residents living adjacent to the Sutlej in the Dharamkot sub-division area here are fearing breaches in the ‘bandh’ and floods in the area, as contractors are mining sand from near the ‘dhussi bundh’ along the river not caring about its lessening strength. ‘Dhussi bundhs’ are elevated structures near the banks of rivers to prevent the river water from spilling over to the plains.
The contractors, by doing so, are putting lives of over 25 villages, each with a population of 1,500 to 2,500, at stake.
As per information, quarries were allotted to the contractors in three villages, including Bassian, Adraman and Sanghera, from where they can dig out sand as per the quantum specified by the government.
Sources said instead of exploiting the quarries, contractors are excavating sand from anywhere they want without any fear of the authorities concerned, who have failed to keep a vigil on the illegal sand mining. “Not caring about the quantum, contractors are filling hundreds of tippers daily and earning over ₹10 lakh per day,” they said.
PUTTING AT RISK
It has been learnt that contractors find it more convenient to excavate sand from near the ‘dhusi bundh’ as vehicles do not have to travel to exit or entry points of the river.
It takes a lot of time for vehicles to reach the allotted quarries, located on the outskirts or in the centre of the river.
Moreover, the sand near the ‘dhussi bundh’ is considered of the most superior quality and labour doesn’t need to segregate soil from the sand, which is a difficult task.
Daljit Singh, a resident, said that contractors even change the natural flow of river water, putting the lives of villagers in danger.
Puran Singh, another resident, said that the ‘dhussi bundh’ has already started to weaken and if the authorities failed to check these illegal activities, the ‘bundh’ could give way during this monsoon.
Barjinder Singh Makhan Brar, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and son of former minister Tota Singh, termed it the apathy of the authorities, who have failed to check the illegal activities. They are only putting lives of residents in danger, he added.
“During the SAD regime, my father himself used to go to inspect the ‘dhussi bundh’ and now not even the deputy commissioner has paid a visit to the area,” he said.
UNAWARE OF RULES Gursharan Singh, general manager (mining), who has been given additional charge of Moga, denied illegal sand mining and said that he routinely goes to the site for checking there and sand is being excavated from the allotted quarries only.
Asked whether a quarry can be allotted near the ‘dhussi bundh’, Gursharan said, “I don’t have any idea about it as I come from the non-mining sector.”