DW BUREAU / Chandigarh The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant had vowed to finish off the sand mining mafia from the day it took oath and proved to its pledge by coming down hard on such unscrupulous elements. This was disclosed here today by the Mines and Geology Minister Harjot Singh Bains at Eco City-2 in New Chandigarh on the occasion of inaugurating the first Government sale centre for Sand and Gravel having 2 Lakh Metric Tonnes capacity and availability of sand and Gravel priced at Rs. 28 per cubic feet. Reiterating the commitment of the State Government to ensure sand and gravel to the people at affordable rates, the Minister said that one such sale centre would be opened in each district soon. This initiative would go a long way in nipping the menace of sand mafia in the bud, said Minister adding that ever since the Government had taken control of mining, the big fish among the mining mafia have been put behind bars with a fine of Rs. 2 lakh for those indulging in illegal mining. The Minister further divulged that the Punjab and Haryana High Court had banned all the mining operations in the State from November 11th, 2022 but the Punjab Government owing to its committment to provide sand and Gravel to the common man, arranged the same from outside the State. Till now, 90000 Metric Tonnes have been supplied to the people. After the State gets relief from the High Court, the price is likely to come further down to Rs. 15 or 16 per cubic feet, added the Minister. (editor@dailyworld.in)