Curb on unlawful sand extraction pledged
A special committee of the Punjab Assembly has underscored the urgent need to fortify mechanisms that prevent vehicles exceeding proposed weight limits from accessing highways.
In a meeting, the committee chaired by Minister for Mines and Minerals Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani discussed the detrimental impact of overloaded sand trolleys on the road infrastructure.
The members voiced concerns over unlawful extraction and transportation of sand, highlighting the severe repercussions of such activities on public property and safety.
There was unanimous agreement on the necessity for strict enforcement of load management policies to safeguard the road network.
Minister Sher Ali Gorchani asserted the government's zero-tolerance stance against illegal sand leases and mining.
He emphasised, "Highways are public property, built with taxpayers' money. We will not allow overloaded heavy vehicles to destroy these vital assets."
He alleged exploitation of the department under previous administrations, which he described as treating public resources as free for all. "We are committed to using Punjab's mineral wealth for the public good. Holding those who have plundered public assets accountable is imperative," he added.
Gorchani said the national treasury incurs losses amounting to millions of rupees daily due to sand theft and unauthorised mining.
According to a statement, he shared his involvement in a recent raid at Sakhi Sarwar, where he uncovered illegal sand transportation operations facilitated by local officials accepting bribes of Rs2,500 to Rs3,500 per trolley.
"Such illegal activities will no longer be tolerated," he vowed.
Communications Minister Sohaib Ahmed Malik said his department, in collaboration with those of mines and transport will address all identified issues.
Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan announced the development of a robust mechanism to strictly curb overloading, ensuring the protection and longevity of the province’s road infrastructure.
Members of Provincial Assembly Mushtaq Ahmed, Shaukat Raja, Sardar Muhammad Ali, and relevant officials also attended the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2024.