Chandigarh, April 7:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday categorically asked the sand contractors to strictly comply with the terms and conditions of mining stipulated in the agreement done with state government to ensure hassle free and smooth supply of sand to the people on the rates fixed by the state.
Reiterating his government’s firm commitment to ensure seamless supply of construction material to the people at the affordable rates, the Chief Minister said the current mining policy is being reviewed meticulously so as to formulate a new comprehensive pro-people mining policy. He said that the Mines and Geology department is also now in the process to reassess the available quantity of sand at the existing mining sites and subsequently, new sites would also be included in the forthcoming mining policy after comprehensive study.
Bhagwant Mann also said that the Mines and Geology department would be strengthened with requisite manpower and latest technology so as to enhance its capacity.
Responding to the issue raised by the contractors about their harassment at the hands of police besides other muscle men acting on the behest of local leaders and petty political functionaries, Bhagwant Mann assured them of absolutely no interference and political pressure from any of his Minister, MLA or party volunteers would be tolerated. He said, “Despite all this, even in few remotest cases, someone still forces you to resort illegal practices, then you should record the conversation either in audio or video mode and upload the same on the ‘Anti Corruption Action Line’ number 9501-200-200 and the guilty would not be spared at any costs.” At the same time, Bhagwant Mann said that if any complaint about malpractices being done by the sand contractors is brought into his notice, then they would also face the similar action and not expect any sort of leniency from him.
Apprising the Chief Minister about creating awareness amongst public about the difference between legal and illegal mining sites, Mining Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that display boards with relevant information would be installed at the demarcated legal sites.
Prominent amongst other who attended the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary to CM A. Venu Prasad and Principal Secretary Mining and Geology Rahul Bhandari.
