The Punjab and Haryana high court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged illegal mining in Hoshiarpur district, citing concerns over destruction of ecology and possible collusion of state authorities.
The court asked the CBI to carry out a preliminary inquiry to identify all those responsible for such large-scale and rampant destruction of the ecology and ensure they can be held accountable. Following the court’s directions, the district legal service authority (DLSA), Hoshiarpur, inspected the alleged illegal mining sites and submitted a report on the nature and depth of mining. The order was passed on September 18 and was released on Friday.
The court had sought a response from the local authorities, and an affidavit was filed by the executive engineer-cum-district mining officer, Hoshiarpur, stating that none of the approved commercial mining sites, landowner mining sites and crusher mining sites, within the district, were operational. In response to a query regarding the source of raw material, apart from citing the provisions regarding the statutory framework governing the source of raw material, no credible data or information was provided, the court observed. Directing the CBI to submit a report by December, the court ordered a detailed drone survey and acquisition of 3D satellite imagery from Google Earth/ISRO or any other credible source, so that the periodic changes that have occurred in the area can be clearly ascertained.
“In order to facilitate the carrying out of such preliminary inquiry and for the purpose of carrying out the survey and obtaining satellite imagery, the CBI shall be at liberty to take the assistance from the concerned officials of the district administration, as well as the department of mines and geology, besides any other expert body or institute,” the court said, adding that the agency can also take help of any department or the ministry of the central government.
