Mining norms flouted, PPCB revokes nod to contractor

Ropar, The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has cancelled its consent given to a contractor to operate at the Baihara quarry.
Finding violation of norms at the quarry, Ropar District Commissioner Gurneet Tej had written a letter to the board to take action and recommended to the Mining Department to cancel the agreement with the contractor.
Last month, residents of Baihara village, accompanied by RTI activist Dinesh Chadha, had lodged a complaint with the DC, alleging that the contractor was digging the riverbed using heavy machinery. He was allowed digging only with manual implements.
A team of the administration and the Mining Department inspected the site. In its report, the inquiry committee stated that the riverbed was dug up to 18 ft against the permissible 10 ft.
Ropar Mining Department general manager Chiman Lal said operation at the quarry had been suspended and Director, Mining, was yet to take a decision on the DC’s recommendation.

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