Shimla, June 6
Himachal Pradesh High Court has brought the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) under direct scrutiny in the ongoing case relating to alleged illegal mining and environmental violations in Suketi Khad of Mandi district.
The court, which had taken suo motu cognizance of reports and visual evidence of large-scale illegal mining, has now ordered that a concerned BBMB official be impleaded as a respondent in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
The PIL was registered by the High Court on March 30, 2026, following a communication alleging extensive mining activity in the riverbed of Suketi Khad. Photographs and video footage submitted before the court reportedly showed excavators, JCB machines and tractors operating within the riverbed, dumping debris along riverbanks and disturbing natural water channels.
Taking serious note of the allegations, the court had directed the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Mandi, to inspect the site along with officials from the Mining Department and the State Pollution Control Board.
During the latest hearing on June 3, the Mining Officer informed the court that muck and silt had been removed by BBMB through its contractor under a work order issued in December 2025.
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The affidavit also stated that the excavated material would be auctioned after completion of necessary formalities. Authorities further informed the court that 11 unauthorized roads used for illegal mining had been blocked and a flying squad had been deployed to maintain strict vigilance. Several vehicles involved in the mining activity were also reportedly compounded.
However, the High Court observed that these corrective measures appeared to have been taken only after it intervened. The court remarked that if mining activities were being carried out under BBMB supervision, its officials should have been present during the DLSA inspection.
The Bench noted that environmental plunder appeared to have continued “right under the nose of the respondents” and pointed to photographic evidence showing excavation continuing near a bridge downstream.
The court has now sought a detailed affidavit on whether excavation was carried out close to the bridge and whether such activity complied with permissible limits under mining rules.
The concerned BBMB official has been directed to remain present during the next hearing scheduled for July 22, 2026.
The case has highlighted concerns over regulatory oversight and environmental compliance at BBMB project sites in Himachal Pradesh.
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