Satluj River Embankment Threat: Villagers Protest Sand Mining

A critical embankment along the Satluj River is under severe threat from aggressive sand mining, prompting villagers and farming unions to establish a permanent protest. Dubbed "Pukka Morcha," the demonstration is now in its third day, with over 250 residents from Khaira Bet and surrounding areas participating. They warn that the ongoing sand excavation, occurring just 100 meters from a vital river bandh, has created dangerous water depths. This situation significantly heightens the risk of the embankment breaching, which could lead to imminent flooding in dozens of downstream villages.

Local leaders allege that the mining operations are conducted without valid permits and disregard essential safety regulations. Residents express deep concern, recalling previous flooding incidents that destroyed approximately 600 acres of poplar crops. Despite the state's "Apna Khet, Apni Ret" policy, which aims to assist flood-affected farmers, protesters claim they are prevented from manual sand removal while commercial entities use heavy industrial equipment. They have lodged formal complaints and refuse to vacate until a high-level official assesses the damage and proposes a lasting solution.

The protest highlights a growing conflict between agricultural communities and mining interests along the Satluj River. Villagers are demanding immediate attention from administrative bodies, including the deputy commissioner of Ludhiana and the secretary of the mining and irrigation department. Their primary goal is to ensure the structural integrity of the embankment and prevent potential environmental and economic disasters caused by unchecked sand mining practices.