Ludhiana, June 3 -- Deputy commissioner (DC) Himanshu Jain has ordered a clampdown on mining operations and mineral transportation across the district, putting police and mining officials under direct scrutiny, warning of strict action for lapses. The district administration, in its order, cited a series of strong observations made by the Punjab and Haryana high court while hearing three petitions filed by residents and panchayats of villages affected by alleged illegal mining along the Sutlej belt.

It also mentioned about mounting complaints from residents and gram panchayats of villages, including Boothgarh, Gadapur, Gaunsgarh and Garhi Togar, who alleged rampant illegal mining and large-scale damage to village roads and public infrast...