Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Brinder Kumar Goyal, on Thursday, issued stringent directives to combat illegal mining activities in the state. Presiding over the meeting with senior officials at Punjab Bhawan here, Sh. Goyal explicitly said that any officer, in whose jurisdiction illegal mining activities are found, will face severe disciplinary action.
The Cabinet Minister, after receiving detailed reports from both headquarters and district officials, instructed that progress reports on anti-illegal mining activities should be submitted to the government every fortnight. Sh. Brinder Kumar Goyal said, the Mining Department has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining in accordance with Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's directives, adding that the state government is fully committed to preserving natural resources and stringent actions are being taken against those who violate the law.
He directed officials to maintain maximum public engagement and prioritize addressing citizens' concerns. He said that supply of sand being provided to the public at a reasonable rates should be ensured so that the revenue of the government can also increase.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Abhijeet Kaplish, Director Mining and Geology Department, Dr. Harinderpal Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer.