Sunil Chadha
Una: In a decisive move to strengthen law and order across the district, Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal has issued a series of stringent administrative orders targeting illegal mining, late-night liquor trade and unregulated heavy-vehicle movement. The three back-to-back directives, announced on Sunday, signal a zero-tolerance policy toward activities that threaten public safety and environmental integrity.
DC Jatin Lal has made it categorically clear that the administration “will not compromise on law and order under any circumstances” and will take proactive action against offenders. The directives, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, empower the administration to crack down on illegal mining networks, unruly elements and miscreants entering the district from border areas.
Bars and Liquor-Serving Establishments Ordered to Close by 10 PM
In an order aimed at curbing late-night disturbances, all licensed bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants serving liquor must shut by 10 PM daily. The order takes effect from November 24. Any breach will invite strict legal action. The DC termed the decision essential for maintaining public peace and preventing law-and-order disruptions during late hours.
Complete Ban on Unauthorized Mining in Swan River and Its Tributaries
The district administration has imposed an immediate ban on unauthorized mining activities in the Swan river and its tributaries across Bathu, Bathri, Santokhgarh, Khanna and Fatehpur. The DC cited environmental degradation, riverbank erosion and risks to public infrastructure as key reasons behind the clampdown.
All previous permissions for extraction have been annulled, and the cutting of vegetation along riverbanks has also been restricted. Vehicles, JCBs and any machinery involved in illegal mining will be seized instantly, and offenders will face penal action under Section 163 and other applicable laws. The restrictions will remain in force until low-height barriers are installed along river routes to regulate movement.
Heavy Vehicles Banned on DC Chowk–Mehatpur Barrier Road
With traffic congestion worsening in Una town, the DC has imposed fresh restrictions on heavy-vehicle movement along the DC Chowk–Mehatpur Barrier stretch. Tipper movement has been completely banned, while commercial heavy vehicles will not be allowed on this road from 8 AM to 9 PM. During restricted hours, vehicles must use alternate routes such as Jhareda–DC Chowk–Santokhgarh–Ajauli.
Loading and unloading will also remain prohibited between 8 AM and 9 PM.
Night Mining Already Prohibited, Strict Timings for Legal Operations
The district administration had earlier banned all types of mining from 5 PM to 6 AM, including transportation of extracted material. Even legal lease holders have been restricted: mining is permitted only between 6 AM and 5 PM, and transportation of material between 10 AM and 5 PM. Violations will attract immediate punitive action.
Corridors Identified for Legal Transport of Mining Material
Special transport corridors have been earmarked for movement of legally extracted material. Check-posts have been set up along all designated routes, including:
- Una to Nangal via Mehatpur
- Tahliwal to Garhshankar via Bathri
- Dulehar to Garhshankar via Gondpur Jaichand
- Janani to Mahlpur via Janani Khad
- Ghaluwal to Hoshiarpur via Pandoga
- Gagret to Hoshiarpur via Asha Devi Barrier
- Virbhadra Chowk to Nangal via Saizowal
- Ajouli to Punjab border
- Daulatpur to Talwara via Marwari
Use of any route outside the notified corridors will result in strict legal action.
Liquor Shop Timings Reinforced
The DC has also standardized the operating hours of liquor vends and ahatas across the district. All liquor outlets must cease sales by 10 PM, and ahatas must shut down fully by the same time. Unregistered ahatas have been ordered closed immediately until formal registration procedures are completed.
Firm Message from the Administration
DC Jatin Lal’s flurry of orders underscores the administration’s resolve to impose discipline, reduce chaos, curb illegal trade and protect environmental resources. The crackdown, spanning mining, liquor trade and vehicular regulation, is intended to restore order and ensure citizen safety across Una district.
