DINANAGAR, PUNJAB – In a significant move, Dinanagar MLA Aruna Chaudhary (Congress) has foiled an alleged attempt by a Pathankot-based operator to excavate sand near the Ravi river. The incident, which highlights the persistent problem of illegal mining Ravi river, has sparked a political controversy as the operator is accused of having the backing of a ruling party leader.
The Pathankot-based operator was allegedly being backed by Dinanagar AAP halqa in-charge Shamsher Singh. A former sarpanch of Makoran village, Ajay Pal Singh, alleged that Shamsher Singh had toured the area with photographers to provide a “legitimacy” to the exercise, sending a signal to the civil administration and villagers that he was backing the miners. This, Ajay Pal said, “clearly shows he was hand in glove with the miners.”
MLA Chaudhary acted swiftly, writing a letter to Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh and Dinanagar SDM Jaspinder Singh. She highlighted that the mining was illegal on two counts: the area lies within 5 km of the International Border (IB), where mining is banned, and the seasonal ban on mining during the rainy season is still in effect until September 30.
The potential consequences of the excavation were severe. According to Ajay Pal, it would have “disrupted the natural flow of water,” causing the Ravi to change its course and leading to large-scale flooding in villages like Makoran, Tanda Basti, and Ogra. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had previously linked mining to the recent devastating floods in the state.
The MLA, while appreciating the administration’s prompt response, has now asked the authorities “to depute a technical team and only then allow mining in and around the Ravi.” SDM Jaspinder Singh confirmed that the activity has been stopped for the time being and they are awaiting further orders.