Deep nexus: Fearing land mafia, Ferozepur residents mum

Gillan village, acres of land were seen dug up to 30 ft on both sides of the road indicating blatant violation of norms. Village sarpanch Jazz admitted that mining takes place at night, but hastened to add that due to rains for past several days, it was not taking place now.

At several other locations, including Rauke, Gajni Wala, Lakha Haji, Habib Wala, Mattar ke Hithar, Gatti Mathar in Mamdot area, Sudhsingh Wala, Basti Borawali in Mallanwala block, Basti Ram Lal in Arif ke, village Isa Grain in Guruharsahai areas and many more, mining has been taking place in a clandestine manner.
Not many people are ready to come on record due to the fear of the mining mafia, which hitherto had political backing. As a result, even officials refrained from confronting it. “Nobody will say anything about the illegal sand mining taking place in their area because they don’t want to die. It is the responsibility of the government to tighten the noose around the sand mining mafia,” said another sarpanch.

In the past five months from March to July, 40 cases were registered in connection with illegal mining and more than 50 tractors/JCBs were confiscated. But these activities have not stopped. While the officials concerned deny any kind of mining activity in the district, sand-laden trolleys are being sold at a cost ranging between Rs 5,000 and 8,000, while a tipper costs around Rs 15,000. These are being supplied by small-time vendors or by farmers directly.