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Protest Against Illegal Sand Mining in River Sutlej, Sahnewal Constituency (Raur Pit)

Background

In the riverbed of River Sutlej, within Sahnewal constituency, mining was being carried out in the so-called legal pit of Raur. Although licensed as a legal pit, the operations were being conducted through unscientific and illegal methods:
• Over-extraction beyond permitted limits.
• Use of heavy machinery (poclains, dumpers) directly in the riverbed.
• Mining during prohibited hours.
• No safeguards to protect embankments or maintain river flow.

This caused severe erosion of embankments, alteration of river course, and heightened flood risk for surrounding villages.

Role of Simranjit Kaur Gill (Village Gaunsgarh, Sahnewal)

  • Grassroots Resistance: As a resident of Gaunsgarh, Advocate Simranjit Kaur Gill organised local villagers to oppose the illegal practices.
    • Documentation: She recorded video evidence of large-scale illegal mining and submitted complaints to the Mining Department, Police, and District Administration.
    • Peaceful Protests: She led villagers in sustained protests at Gaunsgarh, Sahnewal, and nearby areas, continuing for more than six months, despite repeated attempts at intimidation and threats from the sand mafia.
    • Escalation to Raj Bhavan: After repeated inaction at the local level, she personally took the issue to the Governor of Punjab, bringing state-level attention to the mafia-backed mining.
    • Facing Threats: During this resistance, she was threatened, attacked, and targeted by mafias, yet refused to withdraw her complaints.

Impact of the Protest

  • Disruption of Illegal Mining: The prolonged protest forced mining activity to slow down and, at times, stop — reducing immediate environmental damage.
    • Flood Prevention: By halting unscientific extraction, embankments of Sutlej in the Sahnewal belt were protected from collapse, thereby reducing the flood threat in nearby agricultural and residential areas.
    • Public Awareness: The campaign educated villagers about the direct link between sand mining, embankment failure, and floods, making them more vigilant.

Conclusion

  • The struggle led by Simranjit Kaur Gill from Gaunsgarh shows how a determined community, guided by legal awareness, can stand up to mafias and protect their rivers, land, and lives. Despite life threats, her determination turned into a symbol of resistance in Ludhiana and contributed directly to flood mitigation in the region.