Illegal sand mining in Amritsar and its surrounding areas continues unabated, thanks to a shortage of staff in the Industries Department and the alleged indifferent attitude of the Police Department.

The illegal activity has resulted in environmental degradation. It is also proving a security threat as mining is being done near the Indo-Pak border from where the Ravi flows. The Rajasansi police yesterday intercepted a truck and a trolley laden with sand coming from the Ajnala side. Though the police impounded the vehicles, the accused managed to escape.