Patiala, 6 January - Illegal mining has been going on unchecked for the past several months on the Kapuri–Devigarh Road in Patiala, raising serious questions about the functioning of the administration. According to local residents, the mining mafia has been continuously transporting soil and sand through heavy tippers under the cover of darkness at night. What has shocked the public is that the concerned departments appear to be turning a blind eye to the entire operation.
Due to hundreds of heavy vehicles plying daily, the Kapuri–Devigarh Road has turned into a cloud of dust. Residents of nearby villages are finding it difficult even to breathe, while high-speed tippers are inviting a major accident every day. People allege that this situation is not merely negligence, but clear evidence of administrative failure.
Farmers in the area stated that illegal mining is causing severe damage to agricultural land, leading to a continuous decline in soil fertility. Complaints have also emerged regarding tampering with natural water sources at several locations, which could result in a serious drinking water crisis in the future.
Despite multiple written and verbal complaints submitted by residents to the Mining Department, police, and district administration, no concrete action has been taken so far. This prolonged silence has raised serious questions in the public mind about who is backing the illegal mining and under whose protection this business is flourishing.
Social activists and aware citizens of the area have demanded that a special investigation team be deployed immediately on the Kapuri–Devigarh Road to stop illegal mining without delay. They have also called for strict legal action against those involved and a thorough probe into the role of officials responsible for administrative negligence. Locals warn that if no action is taken even now, the issue could soon take the shape of a large public movement.
Mining Department SDO’s Version
While speaking to Punjab Lok Samachar regarding the matter, Mining Department SDO Rakwinder Singh said over the phone that he was not aware of the issue. He added that he would collect complete details and share them within one hour. However, when contacted again after an hour for updates, his phone was repeatedly called but remained unanswered.
Mining Department Action Wing’s Response
When attempts were made to contact the Mining Department’s action wing for their version on the issue, the calls were not answered.
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