Old photo of illegal mining. Used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, May 17,
Himachal Pradesh High Court has summoned the Mining Officer, Mandi, after finding that alleged illegal mining activities were continuing in Suketi Khad despite earlier court directions and monitoring in the matter.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chandra Negi passed the order on May 13 while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation titled Court on its own motion versus State of H.P. and others.
The Bench observed that the report submitted by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), along with other material placed before the court, indicated that mining activities with machinery were still being carried out in the Suketi Khad channels.
“In view of the report of the DLSA, which is placed on record and further communication and material received in the office, we are of the considered opinion that the mining activities are being carried with machinery in the Suketi Khad channels,” the court observed.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the enforcement action taken so far, the High Court directed Mining Officer Tilak Raj, Mandi, to personally appear before the court and explain the steps taken to stop the alleged illegal mining activities. The matter has now been listed for hearing on June 3, 2026.
The High Court had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of the issue on March 30, 2026, after receiving a communication alleging large-scale illegal mining in Suketi Khad in Mandi district.
The complaint was accompanied by photographs and video clips purportedly showing excavators, JCB machines and tractors operating inside the riverbed.
The material also allegedly showed dumping of debris and waste on riverbanks, disturbing natural water channels.
While registering the PIL, the Bench had observed that there was prima facie evidence of illegal mining in the riverbed and directed the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Mandi, to inspect the site and submit a report.
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The court had also directed the Superintendent of Police, Mandi, to provide security to the DLSA officer during the inspection.
Officials of the Mining Department and Pollution Control Board were ordered to accompany the inspection team and ensure immediate stoppage of illegal mining if found at the site.
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However, the latest DLSA report placed before the High Court allegedly revealed continuation of mining activities in the khad area, prompting the Bench to summon the district mining officer for explanation.
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