New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): Congress leader Navjot Sidhu accused Punjab ministers of turning a blind eye to illegal sand mining activities in the state. According to Sidhu, the ministers from the Aam Admi Party (AAP) government are allegedly assisting in the illegal mining operations, which he claims can severely damage Punjab’s economy.
Sidhu’s allegations came after he and other Congress leaders filed a plea with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking immediate action to halt illegal sand mining in Rupnagar district. The NGT has issued notices to the Government of Punjab, the concerned District Magistrate, and other officials in response to the plea.
Speaking to reporters, Sidhu highlighted the severity of the issue. He stated, This issue has not just arisen in Ropar, but also in Pathankot and Moga. People have come forward as eyewitnesses with evidence. The Punjab government has been penalized with Rs 630 crores, but they have failed to pay it.
Sidhu further accused the AAP of making empty promises to the public. He claimed that prior to the elections, the party had pledged to recover and distribute nearly Rs 20,000 crores per year to women in Punjab. However, only Rs 300 crores reached beneficiaries, while the remaining Rs 39,700 crores allegedly went into the pockets of AAP ministers.
In his plea to the NGT, Sidhu emphasized the urgent need to address the illegal mining issue. He requested an investigation into officials who have allowed the unlawful activities and asked for appropriate action to be taken against them.
The bench, headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, scheduled the matter for March 11 after hearing the submissions made by advocates KC Mittal and Abhimanyu Walia.
Illegal sand mining operations conducted in Punjab have had a detrimental impact on the environment. The unregulated and unscientific mining methods can alter riverbeds and increase the risk of flooding in the region.
The issue of illegal sand mining in Punjab raises serious concerns about the state’s economy and environmental sustainability. The allegations leveled by Congress leader Navjot Sidhu call for a thorough investigation into the involvement of ministers from the AAP government. The NGT’s notice to the Punjab government and relevant officials indicates that further action will be taken to address the issue. It remains to be seen how the authorities respond to these accusations and ensure the enforcement of mining regulations to protect Punjab’s natural resources and economy.
