Illegal mining continues unabated in the Ropar area of Punjab, Anandpur Sahib and Nangal subdivisions, defying the complete ban on mining during the monsoon season. Sources said these operations occur under the cover of night between 12 and 3 am. In one instance, illegal mining was reported in Talwara village of Nangal subdivision, where desilting of local rivulet was conducted, violating the ban.