Defying monsoon mining ban, illegal extraction puts lives at risk in Kangra

Notwithstanding the blanket ban imposed by the state government on all mining activities from July 1 to September 15 — aimed at allowing rivers and water bodies to replenish their mineral deposits — offenders, particularly tractor owners, continue illegal mining with impunity in rivulets and khuds across the lower Kangra valley.

The ban, along with police challans, has failed to deter violators from extracting stones, gravel and sand from local water bodies, often endangering their own lives. Many venture into flooded rivulets without considering the dangers posed by strong currents.

In one such incident, four tractor-trailers entered Brahal khud at Batees Meel (Kotla) in the Jawali Assembly constituency to lift minerals from the riverbed. Suddenly, they were caught in the rising floodwaters. While three drivers managed to escape with their vehicles, one was trapped as the powerful current overturned his tractor. The driver saved himself by climbing onto the overturned tractor and waited for the water to recede before making his way to safety.

Earlier, on July 31, a similar incident occurred in Dehar khud in the Jawali area. A tractor driver and four labourers, engaged in illegal mineral extraction, found themselves stranded when the water level rose abruptly. They parked the tractor on the riverbed and stood on it to avoid being swept away. Local residents, noticing their plight, arranged for a JCB machine to pull the tractor-trailer to safety, rescuing the offenders from the flooded rivulet.

Cautioning the public, Jawali SDM Narinder Jaryal warned against venturing near rivulets, khuds and other water bodies during the monsoon and assured strict action against those violating the mining ban.

Himachal Tribune