Chandigarh, Gurpreet Singh :- In a significant environmental intervention, the National Green Tribunal has ordered an immediate halt to mining activities at 85 locations across Punjab, following a petition filed by the gram panchayat of Gahlari village in Gurdaspur district. The tribunal directed that the suspension will remain in force until further orders.
The identified sites had earlier been earmarked by the Punjab Water Resources Department for dredging and desilting operations, with tenders recently floated for the removal of riverbed material. However, the tribunal ruled that while the tendering process may proceed, no desilting or mining activity can commence on the ground without due compliance.
Appearing on behalf of the village panchayat, counsel argued that the proposed dredging was commercial in nature and therefore required mandatory environmental clearances. It was further submitted that Gahlari village is situated downstream and that large-scale extraction could adversely impact agricultural land and residential areas.
The tribunal took note of concerns regarding environmental safeguards and past instances of flooding in the state, where allegations of illegal mining had surfaced. The order is being viewed as a major relief for local residents apprehensive about ecological damage. A senior official from the mining department said the government would issue a response after reviewing the detailed directions of the tribunal.
