Dera Bassi (SAS Nagar), January 19: Taking serious note of media reports regarding mining in the Ghaggar River near Bhankarpur, Dera Bassi MLA Mr. Kuljit Singh Randhawa issued clear instructions to the mining department officials to ensure that no illegal mining takes place at the said site.
In this regard, the MLA held a meeting with the Bhankarpur village panchayat and officials of the mining department to review the current situation. He said that transparent and accountable governance is his priority in the Dera Bassi assembly constituency and that no kind of illegal activity will be tolerated.
The MLA directed the Mining Department's SDO, Ramanjot, to submit a detailed report on the work being carried out at the site and to clarify whether the work is mining or merely de-silting. He clarified that only de-silting would be permitted to maintain the natural flow of the river and protect the surrounding villages from flooding during the monsoon season.
Mr. Randhawa informed that during the last monsoon, the water level of the Ghaggar River near Bhankarpur had risen suddenly, posing a threat to the surrounding areas. Keeping this in mind, it has been decided to carry out de-silting before the upcoming monsoon to mitigate the risk of flooding.
He also urged the panchayat to remain vigilant and assured them that if any activity other than de-silting is found, they should immediately inform him so that necessary action can be taken.