Illegal Mining: MP Gandhi lodges written complaint to Union Environment Minister
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ February 13,2025
Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi, MP from Patiala, has filed a written complaint against the illegal mining occurring near Chhatbir Zoo to the Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. This action is due to the negligence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Mining Minister Barinder Goel, and the Mohali administration. They have not taken the issue seriously and instead, by giving a false clean chit to the illegal miners, have proven that all these parties are collectively looting Punjab’s natural resources.
Key Points of the Complaint:
– Illegal Mining: Illegal mining is taking place just 200 meters from Chhatbir Zoo, which is in clear violation of Supreme Court orders and the guidelines of the Environment Ministry. The contract for this site is only for removing silt from the river, but under the protection of the administration, looting is occurring.
– Administrative Negligence: Dr. Gandhi had previously informed the Mohali administration about this illegal mining in a meeting, yet no action was taken.
– AAP Leaders’ Involvement: According to sources, these illegal activities are being carried out with the involvement of leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), causing significant harm to both the law and the environment. The silence of the Chief Minister and the Mining Minister clearly indicates their complicity.
– Environmental Damage: Instead of cleaning the river, 500-800 truckloads of sand are being looted daily here, valued at 1 to 1.5 crore rupees per day. Recently, RTI activist Manik Goyal released pictures of the mining and filed a complaint, yet no action has been taken.
Demands in the Complaint:
– Immediate Investigation: An immediate investigation into these illegal activities has been demanded.
– Legal Action: Legal action should be taken against those involved in these activities.
– Administrative Accountability: The Mohali administration should be held accountable for its negligence, and it should be determined which leaders and officials are working together.
Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi has demanded immediate action to ensure environmental protection and adherence to the law. He further stated that the government, which talks about strict honesty, is looting natural resources with the involvement of its own MLAs and ministers. Dr. Gandhi noted that even after evidence has been provided by common people and activists, no action is being taken, questioning what the government is doing on its own. Finally, Dr. Gandhi declared that anyone involved in this looting will not be spared.
