Summary:
FEROZEPUR: There are reports of sand mining being carried out at unauthorized sites in the Ferozepur district. The department has so far seized several poke-lane machines, JCBs and tractors besides registering over 30 police cases for illegal sand mining," said Sukhmander Singh Brar , the mining officer.Ferozepur deputy commissioner (DC) Ramvir said he had zero tolerance for illegal mining. "We are contemplating fixing of responsibility on the officials, particularly the mining officer and the station house officer (SHO) concerned, in case of illegal mining and action will be taken against them as per law," he said. Requesting anonymity, villagers said in contravention to the 10 am to 5 pm timings, mining of sand continued day and night without any break. They further alleged digging was also being done below the approved ground level.When contacted, Gurjant Singh Sidhu , general manager in the Ferozepur industries department said he was looking after four districts and a mining officer had been entrusted to check illegal sand mining "I am performing my duty as per the instructions of my senior officials..