13 arrested for illegal mining in Fazilka district

Fazilka, September 1

As many as 13 persons were arrested and four booked for illegal sand mining in Fazilka district in August as the practice is going on unabated in the border area, particularly along the Sutlej, which passes through several villages in the district.

Information gathered by The Tribune revealed 13 sand-laden tractor trailers were impounded by the police during this period. The scheme of selling sand through the online system introduced on September 12 last year has virtually fizzled out. “Hardly anyone has applied for online sale in the district,” said Junior Engineer (Mining) Rajiv Behl. The department officials at Fazilka have no separate record of those who applied for online purchase of sand in the district. According to Behl, presently no legal quarry is in operation in Fazilka district. — OC