In a decisive move to protect natural resources, the Panchkula police have launched an intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities across the district. Over two consecutive nights of coordinated operations, law enforcement officials successfully seized a total of five vehicles, dealing a significant blow to unauthorized excavation operations.
Major Raids on the Night of January 4
The police action gained momentum on the night of January 4, with teams from multiple units joining forces. A combined team from the dedicated anti-illegal mining unit, the Ramgarh police post, and the Raipur Rani police station conducted simultaneous raids, leading to the capture of four vehicles.
The haul from this night included two tractor-trolleys, a tipper, and a poclain machine. All the seized vehicles were immediately impounded. Following protocol, the mining department was formally informed to take further legal action against the offenders.
Detailed Interceptions Across Key Locations
The operations were marked by precise interventions. At around 1 am, a team led by Inspector Mansa Ram from the anti-illegal mining unit intercepted a tipper and a poclain machine. These vehicles were caught red-handed extracting material from the riverbed of the Mehtab river in the Kalka area. Both were swiftly moved to the Kalka police station.
Earlier that same night, at approximately 4 am, Ramgarh police post in-charge Tajinder Pal Singh apprehended a tractor-trolley involved in illegal mining. This interception occurred near the Basin river close to Shyamtoo village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Chandimandir police station.
In a parallel action, personnel from the Raipur Rani police seized another tractor-trolley during their routine night patrol. This vehicle was found loaded with illegally mined material in the Pyarewala region.
Crackdown Continues on January 5
Demonstrating the sustained nature of the drive, the Panchkula police secured another seizure on the following night, January 5. A team from the Barwala police post, under the leadership of in-charge Gurpal Singh, intercepted a tipper during routine patrolling.
The vehicle, loaded with illegally mined material, was stopped near Sangrana village in the Barwala area. Officials called the mining department to the spot for assessment. Subsequently, the tipper was impounded, and formal legal proceedings were initiated against those responsible.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Environmental Focus
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Srishti Gupta emphasized the police department's unwavering stance. She stated that the administration is following a strict zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining. DCP Gupta highlighted the dual damage caused by such activities: serious harm to the environment and a substantial loss of government revenue.
She further assured that police teams are maintaining strict surveillance across all mining-prone zones and key entry-exit points in the district. The police have warned that anyone found involved in illegal mining will face stern legal consequences, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding the region's ecological and economic interests.
