Punjab Government Imposes Ban on Gold Mining and Tree Felling in Attock and Chakwal
The Punjab Home Department has enforced Section 144 for two months in Attock and Chakwal districts to safeguard mineral reserves and protect the environment.
Ban on Gold Mining in Attock
- Gold Mining Restrictions: The government has banned unauthorized gold mining in Attock, specifically along the Indus River. The move is aimed at preserving valuable minerals, such as placer gold, which contribute significantly to the national treasury.
- Mineral Protection: In addition to gold mining, the extraction of all minerals without permission in the district has been halted for the next 60 days.
- Transport Ban: The transportation of mining and quarrying machinery has also been prohibited during this period to further enforce the ban.
Tree Felling Ban in Chakwal
- Environmental Protection: The Punjab government has extended its environmental protection efforts by banning tree felling in Chakwal district, covering both private and public lands.
- Flood Risk Prevention: The decision comes in response to rising concerns over deforestation, which has been linked to an increased risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
- Timber Transport Ban: There is also a complete ban on the transportation of timber in the district for two months to curb deforestation.
Government Initiative
The initiative highlights the Punjab government’s commitment to protecting natural resources, local populations, and wildlife. This 60-day enforcement of Section 144 is seen as a proactive step to safeguard the region’s environmental and economic interests.