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Illegal Sand mining in Punjab
Large-scale unsustainable sand mining has several negative effects upon the environment, it poses a threat to rivers and the people, economies, and other species that depend on them. As most sand and gravel is used for construction, the demand for it has been rising and is especially high in developing countries, to meet the demand, large-scale unsustainable sand mining has been taking place in several parts of the country. Any ecosystem has an intricate balance which needs to be maintained, any drastic changes in it would have an impact on the entire ecosystem. For instance, unsustainable sand mining has the effect of altering the shape of river beds which affects the riverside vegetation, reduces the diversity, and abundance of fish in the area. It also affects the groundwater reserves and the water quality in the area. The state of Punjab is struggling with rampant illegal mining practices, over the years several cases of illegal mining have been reported to the Punjab Mining and Geology department. However, the problem continues to plague the state. The long-term ramifications of such unsustainable practices are disastrous and often not considered because of ignorance and the lure of short-term benefits.
Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court was hearing a petition for grant of anticipatory bail to a person accused of illegal sand mining in Punjab, the court remarked that in almost all cases related to illegal mining which have come before the court for consideration, the perpetrators have allegedly fled from the spot during the raid by Punjab police. This consistent pattern is highly suggestive of the performance of the Punjab police, it indicates that either information regarding the raid is being leaked to the offenders through police officials or the officials involved in the raid are indulging in the manipulation of records. If it's not that, it shows that the police officials are inefficient in conducting raids even though they have the power to use reasonable force for preventing the offenders from escaping. The court observed that in any case, it is necessary to ensure that efficient raids are conducted so that such activities are kept under check. The court remarked that the police officials while conducting the raid are expected to use audio-video electronic devices. The Director-General of Police, Punjab has been directed to personally look into the issue and give appropriate instructions for conducting an efficient raid with the required level of secrecy.
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