Punjab issues toll-free number for lodging of illegal mining complaints

The Punjab government has issued a toll-free number to check illegal mining. The secretary of the department has appealed to the people to call on 1800 180 2422 if there is any complaint related to the mining department.

Earlier, the Punjab government had taken major action against illegal mining in Mohali and Ropar. In the preliminary inquiry, the government had suspended the mining officers of both the districts and attached them to the Chief Engineer (Mining) Headquarters. Along with this, the senior officers of the department were directed to file a charge sheet against them.

Mining Minister Harjot Singh Bains had conducted a surprise inspection of mining site in Kheda Kalmot area of Ropar on Thursday. Many irregularities were found during this period. Here all the crushers running contrary to the rules were sealed and summoned by the officials concerned.

Principal secretary, mining department, IAS Krishna Kumar has suspended mining officer Vipin of Ropar and Mohali with immediate effect after the officials did not give satisfactory answers.

It was found that a private contractor was provided with a government gunman. It was another major revelation during the investigation of this action.

The previous government had given three government gunmen to the mining contractor. Surprisingly, his salary was also being paid from the government treasury. After this revelation, the gunmen have been called back with an immediate effect.