Rupnagar, September 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate, Rupnagar, Aaditya Dachalwal, IAS, has announced a zero-tolerance policy against illegal extraction, transportation and storage of minor minerals across the district, warning offenders and those facilitating such activities of strict action under the law.
The Deputy Commissioner has issued a comprehensive Standing Order for the prevention, detection, suppression and prosecution of illegal mining. The order establishes a coordinated enforcement mechanism involving the Civil Administration, Police, Mining, Forest, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Transport, Drainage, Revenue and other concerned departments.
“Illegal mining is an assault on our rivers, environment and public resources. Anyone involved in illegal extraction, transportation, storage or facilitation will face strict action under law, irrespective of influence or affiliation. Lawful mining activity, however, will be facilitated and protected,” Dachalwal said.
District Task Force, Flying Squads to Intensify Enforcement
A District Mining Enforcement Task Force headed by the Deputy Commissioner, with the SSP as Co-Chairperson, will oversee enforcement across Rupnagar district. Dedicated Sub-Divisional Task Forces under the respective SDMs will operate in Rupnagar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Morinda and Nangal.
Flying Squads comprising officials from the Civil Administration, Police, Mining and other departments will conduct surprise inspections at mining sites, riverbeds, transportation routes and other vulnerable locations, including checks during prohibited hours.
24×7 Control Room, CCTV and ANPR Surveillance
A 24×7 District Mining Control Room will operate from the District Administrative Complex in Rupnagar. Complaints received through phone, WhatsApp and other channels will be registered, assigned unique numbers and tracked until appropriate action is taken.
The Standing Order also provides for strengthened technology-based surveillance through night-vision CCTV cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at strategic check-posts. Vehicles transporting minerals will be checked for valid documents, e-transit passes and compliance with statutory requirements.
Ten vulnerable mining reaches or hotspots and 10 strategic check-post and barrier locations have been identified for priority surveillance.
Action to Target Offenders, Financiers and Facilitators
The Deputy Commissioner made it clear that enforcement would extend beyond the seizure of tractors, tippers and machinery. Investigations may also cover beneficial owners, financiers and facilitators wherever warranted under law.
Illegal vehicles, machinery and minerals will be seized in accordance with legal provisions. Authorities will also pursue prosecution, recovery of mineral value and royalty, as well as environmental compensation wherever applicable.
Stone crushers, screening plants and stockyards will remain under scrutiny to ensure lawful sourcing of minerals and compliance with statutory requirements.
Special surveillance has also been ordered for the Ropar Wetland, riverbeds, protected forests, Shivalik foothills and other ecologically sensitive areas.
Officials Facing Action for Negligence or Connivance
The Standing Order fixes accountability at every level of the enforcement machinery. Officials found guilty of negligence, connivance or providing protection to illegal mining activities will face departmental action.
“Our message is clear—no illegal mining, no illegal transportation and no protection to offenders. Enforcement will be visible, every complaint will be tracked and accountability will be fixed,” Dachalwal said.
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