Illegal mining continues across Sirmaur despite monsoon ban: Nathuram Chauhan
Illegal mining continues across Sirmaur despite monsoon ban: Nathuram Chauhan
Nahan, Aug 18,
Illegal mining is allegedly continuing in several parts of Sirmaur district despite a ban on mining activities during the rainy season, social worker Nathuram Chauhan said here on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference in Nahan, Chauhan alleged that illegal mining was being carried out in almost every major mining area of the district and accused the concerned departments of failing to enforce the administration’s directions.
He said the Deputy Commissioner had issued instructions last month to the concerned departments to stop mining activities during the monsoon. However, machinery and blasting activities were allegedly continuing in riverbeds, ravines and other vulnerable areas.
Chauhan said reports of mining were emerging from the Sangrah area as well as along the Giri and Bata rivers in Paonta Sahib, Sataun and Shillai areas. He alleged that large-scale extraction of minerals from rivers and ravines during the rainy season was disturbing the natural flow of water and could pose risks to nearby houses, roads and other infrastructure.
He pointed out that several roads in the district had already been affected by heavy rains and landslides, making unchecked mining during the monsoon a matter of concern.
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Referring to statements made by the Industries Minister in the Assembly, Chauhan alleged that the government itself had acknowledged the role of some officials in allowing illegal mining to continue. He questioned why action had not been taken against officials allegedly involved in such activities.
Chauhan demanded strict enforcement of the monsoon mining ban and accountability of officials responsible for preventing illegal mining.
He warned that if the administration and concerned departments failed to stop the alleged illegal mining, he would approach the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court and seek action against the officials responsible.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
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