Sand prices shoot up as mine contractors defy HC ban order

Vishvbandhu,GM (Industries),Ludhiana,who looks after the mining operations,said,“I have issued challans to about 10 trolley and truck owners who were found bringing sand into the city. A fine of Rs 23,000 has also been collected in the last six days. I am aware that illegal activities are going on,and our staff is acting tough to stop them.”

DC Rahul Tewari added,“The HC’s orders have been sent to the police department for strict compliance,and if they are being flouted,I will call a meeting to get them implemented.”

During the Congress government regime,the sites had been auctioned at Rs 1.56 crore,while during the SAD-BJP tenure,they were auctioned for more than double that. Hence,the price of sand had seen a jump from the start of the SAD-BJP government.

Apart from sand,even rates of bitumen have also increased from Rs 18 a foot to Rs 20 a foot in the retail market,because the court has banned even crushing of bitumen from the hills till further orders.

S S Mavi,patron of Ludhiana Builders’ Association,said,“It is sad that the state government failed to submit a plan due to which the ban had to be ordered by the High Court. Now,consumers are suffering and even builders are directly affected.”