Army resources for operational matters, not to find illegal mining: Centre

CHANDIGARH: The central govt has made it clear that the Army survey resources are committed to operational matters and cannot be assigned for detecting illegal sand mining along the Punjab-Pakistan border, and doing this will "create an undesirable void".
An affidavit regarding this was filed on Wednesday by the Centre through K M Selven, Scientist 'E' in the ministry of environment, forest and climate change in compliance with the HC order passed on Aug 22.
The HC had directed the central govt to file an affidavit as to whether the Army can be deputed to conduct aerial or land survey to detect illegal mining.
In its affidavit, the Centre stated that the MoD in its missives of Sep 5 and 13 had informed the ministry of environment, forest and climate that "Indian Army survey resources are committed on operational matters, and the matter is outside its purview".
HC asks if work can be done by Survey of India
The Centre further stated that Army resources are limited and focused on development and updating of military maps.
"These are employed for survey of border areas, output of which is used for planning of military operations, training and other capability building tasks. Military survey units are proficient in conduct of topographical mapping, whereas illegal mining surveys involve creating cadastral maps and further cross-referencing it with govt revenue records to identify it, and military survey does not have this capability," the affidavit mentioned.
Sharing the details of the hearing, Arun Gosain, central govt standing counsel, said that after placing the Centre's affidavit on record, the division bench headed by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu has asked them to file a reply if the survey can be conducted by the Survey of India, and the matter has been adjourned to Nov 18.
The issue is pending before the HC in the wake of a petition filed by Gurbir Singh Pannu seeking directions to ensure a mining auction in a transparent manner.
On the previous date of hearing, the HC had restrained the Punjab govt from carrying out any kinds of mining activities in the border districts.
Earlier, the Army had claimed that rampant mining activities in the border districts of Punjab were a serious threat to its defensive military fortification, and could hamper the force's retaliation in the event of an attack due to restriction of movement space.