Patiala: Punjab govt has launched an internal probe after an SDO (drainage and mining) accused senior officials in the drainage-cum-mining and geology wing of Ropar of widespread corruption, protection of illegal mining, and financial irregularities. In a letter to the additional chief secretary (mines and geology) and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, SDO Navpreet Singh, who is posted at Anandpur Sahib in Ropar, alleged that officials of supervising engineer rank and below were collecting monthly bribes running into lakhs of rupees from crusher owners engaged in illegal mining.
On getting information about the letter, Punjab principal secretary (water resource) Krishan Kumar marked an inquiry into the matter. The principal secretary, in a letter, has asked the chief engineer (drainage and water resources) to probe the allegations and submit a report within 10 days. The principal secretary also marked the letter to the additional chief secretary (mines and geology).In his complaint, the SDO alleged that two senior officials were collecting about Rs 2 lakh per month from crusher operators to facilitate unauthorised mining. According to the SDO, interstate check posts were also allegedly misused, with only select vehicles officially documented while others were allowed to pass through unauthorised routes. He alleged that multiple vehicles were cleared using a single Q-Form in collusion with crusher owners.The officer alleged that he had raised concerns through an official e-file in Jan this year, but it was suppressed. He also alleged that a vehicle (tipper) bearing Patiala registration, apprehended in connection with irregularities, was later released without action.The complaint also alleged the misuse of Punjab govt’s ‘Jis Da Khet Os Di Ret’ scheme, claiming crusher owners were permitted to use illegally mined material after depositing money under the scheme, leading to significant financial loss to the state exchequer.During a Dec 28 site inspection near Sangatpur Bridge, which has been built over the Satluj, the SDO claimed that he observed signs of illegal mining linked to a crusher unit in Saidpur village. However, a subsequent report allegedly stated that no illegal activity took place. “During last year’s floods, certain works were processed without tenders and later shown as washed away, with attempts made to clear payments,” he alleged. He claimed that when he refused to approve such payments and declined to follow illegal instructions, efforts were made to malign him before higher authorities.In his complaint, the officer sought immediate departmental action and dismantling of what he described as a “corruption nexus” operating within the Ropar mining wing.Additional chief secretary (mines and geology) Jaspreet Talwar could not be contacted despite repeated calls and messages.Will look into it: MinisterPunjab minister for mines and geology Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “The matter was not brought to my attention so far, but we will definitely look into it and take appropriate action.” Refused to release water to Haryana SDO Navpreet Singh had earlier served as SDO, Kotla, with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) during the high-profile water-sharing dispute involving the Nangal hydel channel. A contempt petition was filed against him by the BBMB chairman in the Punjab and Haryana high court for not discharging water to Haryana. The petition was later disposed of.MSID:: 128884902 413 |
