Amid allegations of rampant illegal sand mining along the Satluj riverbed and claims that the Dhusi Dam embankment has suffered damage severe enough to disrupt village connectivity and children's access to schools, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered an on-the-spot inspection through a court-appointed Advocate Commissioner.
The Bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor passed the order while hearing a petition concerning alleged illegal mining of sand and "misuse of the embankment/Dhusi Dam falling within the revenue limits of Burj Tehal Dass and Begowal villages over River Satluj."
Referring to an affidavit filed by the respondent-State, the Bench observed it was contended that sand was being extracted pursuant to the de-silting of the river and illegal mining was not taking place.
"In response to the reply filed by the State, the petitioners have filed an affidavit annexing various photographs, according to which rampant illegal mining is taking place and the Dhusi Dam has also suffered damage. It has further been pointed out that all the roads have been completely damaged and that children are unable to go to their schools," the Bench observed.
Considering the factual issues raised, the Bench asserted it deemed it appropriate to appoint Advocate-Commissioner of this Court to inspect the site and submit a report. The High Court then appointed advocate Nitin Kaushal as Advocate-Commissioner to visit the site and furnish a report before the court.
"The Advocate-Commissioner will gather information as to whether the children studying in the nearby schools have access to their villages by any alternative routes. We also direct the Deputy Commissioner concerned and the Superintendent of Police to ensure that proper administrative and police support is extended to the Advocate-Commissioner during his inspection in the area," the Bench observed. The matter has now been adjourned to May 25.