DC Orders Strict Checks at Mining Sites, Action Against Illegal Mining

Ludhiana, November 1,2026: The Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, chaired a review meeting on mining activities in the district and directed all concerned departments to put in place stringent safeguards at every approved mining site to ensure that illegal mining is not carried out under the cover of authorised operations. The directions have been issued in compliance with the orders of the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court, with a particular focus on enabling field officials of the civil administration and police to clearly distinguish authorised mining and transportation from illegal activities on the ground.
Issuing specific directions, the Deputy Commissioner ordered that every tipper and trolley engaged in mining-related transportation must be fitted with a functional GPS device, and a complete list of such authorised vehicles must be shared with the concerned SDMs and police stations. He further directed that a copy of the valid approval letter must be prominently displayed on the windscreen of every authorised vehicle. Transportation of mined material shall be permitted strictly along approved routes and only during prescribed working hours. Additionally, every mining site must prominently display a signboard mentioning the contractor's name, approval number, validity period and permitted working hours.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that these safeguards must serve as practical enforcement mechanisms rather than mere procedural formalities. Any vehicle found operating without GPS tracking or the prescribed permission displayed, moving beyond approved routes or operating outside permitted hours shall be treated as a violation and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Setting a clear timeline for compliance, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Drainage-cum-District Mining Officer to ensure that all prescribed safeguards are implemented at every mining site within seven days. The compliance report shall be submitted only after physical verification by the respective SDMs. He further ordered that mining operations shall remain suspended until all prescribed safeguards have been put in place and duly verified.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed the Regional Transport Authority to launch an intensive day-and-night checking drive against suspected unauthorised and overloaded sand tippers, particularly on routes originating from riverine areas, Sutlej bandhs and village link roads. Vehicles found transporting material without valid permission shall be impounded and FIRs registered wherever warranted. In cases of repeated violations, proceedings for suspension or cancellation of permits shall also be initiated.
The Police Department has been directed to strengthen naka arrangements and night patrolling on routes leading to riverine areas. Any vehicle or machinery found involved in illegal mining or unauthorised transportation shall be seized, and appropriate legal action shall be initiated against those responsible.
The Deputy Commissioner made it clear that the responsibility for ensuring compliance rests with the concerned departments and field officers, and that implementation of these directions must be visible and verifiable on the ground. He reiterated that while authorised mining activities will be permitted strictly within the prescribed framework, any attempt to use approved mining sites as a cover for illegal extraction or transportation will invite stringent action. Illegal mining, unauthorised transportation and overloading will not be tolerated under any circumstances.