Mining banned, but department blind to quarrying in Satluj Yamuna Link

PATIALA: Despite a ban on illegal mining of sand by Punjab and Haryana high court, quarrying continues unabated in the bed of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, near Punjab-Haryana border, under Ghanaur constituency of Patiala district.
The mining department has failed to prevent it despite knowing about the illegal activity.
As per information, members of sand mafia in alleged connivance with some politicians have been quarrying in a 1km area of SYL canal, near Bathaunia village.
At many places, the excavated bed is visible even from a distance. At other spots, the excavation has badly damaged the embankment of the canal.
Karnail Singh, a farmer working near the canal said, ''Digging has been going on for many weeks and everyone in our area as well as officers are aware of it. Sand is being sold openly and transported in tractor trolleys and trucks. It's strange that the mining department officers are claiming to have no knowledge about it.''
Some other villagers alleged that members of the mafia are not only selling sand in Patiala, but many trucks are being sent to Haryana via the Rajgarh and Tipla route as there are no checks on the Punjab-Haryana border.
Others voiced suspicion about the involvement of SYL staff in illegal quarrying.
District mining officer Harjinder Pannu said, "We have found signs of mining at some spots in SYL canal and are inspecting the area. I have directed my officers to be more vigilant and stop the racket. We have also informed the police."