Sindh government decides to crack down on illegal sand and gravel mining

Karachi 14 November 2024

Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah presided over an important meeting to discuss and implement stringent measures against the illegal sand and gravel mining business in the province. The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, Secretary Mines and Minerals Department Tahir Hussain Sangi, Deputy Commissioner Malir Irfan Salam, SSP Malir Kashif Abbasi, and other senior officials.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Sindh directed that strict action be taken against individuals involved in the illegal sand and gravel mining business and instructed the Deputy Commissioner and SSP Malir to undertake immediate actions. The meeting also reviewed the Sindh Mines and Minerals Governance Act 2021 and its Rules 2023, which include provisions for establishing a dedicated Mines and Minerals Force and outline its jurisdiction and authority. Under Section 27 of the Act, illegal mining was initially a non-cognizable offense but was later declared a cognizable offense on November 14, 2023.

The Chief Secretary further emphasized the need to establish special courts to expedite legal proceedings against illegal mining. In this regard, the Law Department has approached the Registrar of the Sindh High Court for approval to expedite the establishment of these courts.

Chief Secretary Sindh emphasized that amendments will be made to the Mines Department’s laws to prevent illegal mining and directed the Secretary of Mines and Minerals to draft the necessary revisions. Under the new law, additional powers will be granted to the police and district administration by the Mines Department to effectively curb illegal activities

Under the new law, both police and district administration will be provided with additional authority from the Mines Department to take swift and effective action against illegal mining activities. The Sindh government is committed to protecting the province’s valuable natural resources and upholding the rule of law. Chief Secretary Sindh reiterated that all departments would work in complete coordination to combat illegal mining and safeguard Sindh’s natural assets.