Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir demands central probe into illegal sand mining

Punjab’s Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal publicly urged the Union government to launch a central probe into reports of illegal sand mining across the state. He said the unchecked extraction threatens river ecosystems and undermines lawful mining operations. Badal appealed to the Ministry of Mines and relevant central agencies to intervene and ensure strict enforcement of existing regulations. The demand comes amid growing concerns from environmental groups and local communities about the impact of unregulated sand extraction. Authorities have not yet responded to the call for a federal investigation.