DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand high court on Monday ordered an “immediate halt” to mining operations in Bageshwar district after illegal activities caused cracks in numerous houses and hills. The HC bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari also summoned the secretary of industrial development, director of mining, and the district magistrate to appear in person on January 9.
The HC decision was based on a report by a court-appointed commissioner, which documented extensive illegal activities and their devastating impact in the fragile hills. TOI had prominently highlighted rampant soapstone mining in the ecologically sensitive region, prompting National Green Tribunal (NGT) to take suo motu cognisance of the issue and issue wide-ranging directions.
The court-appointed commissioner’s report detailed widespread violations of mining norms, including unauthorised limestone mining on forest and govt land. Photographs and videos presented in court showed large cracks forming in the hills, creating a high risk of landslides and endangering lives and livelihoods. Villagers reported that mining activities had caused significant damage to their homes and farmland, leaving many displaced and others living in fear.
The report also highlighted serious breaches, such as illegal mining beyond authorised hours, encroachment on Van Panchayat land, drying up of water springs, and unauthorised use of forest resources. Additionally, it noted air, water, and noise pollution caused by unscientific mining methods. The court was informed about the illegal felling of trees, employment of foreign labourers, and the central labour department’s failure to enforce regulations. Misuse of district management funds was also flagged. The court described the situation as “exceedingly grave”.
#halts #Bageshwar #mining #cracks #hills #homes #Times #India
