Villagers drive away mining mafia from Beas, cite damage to ecology
Disappointed by the alleged lackadaisical attitude of authorities concerned, local residents took matters into their hands yesterday and drove away illegal miners from the banks of the Beas river in the Bihali area of Kullu district.
A large number of tractors and labourers, who were engaged in sand extraction from the riverbed, were swiftly evicted by villagers.
The residents said despite repeated complaints to the District Administration and State Mining Department, illegal mining continued unchecked in the area.
With no effective intervention from the authorities, the locals decided to take direct action against mining mafia.
Earlier, the Katrain village committee convened a meeting to discuss rampant and unregulated mining in Bihali. Members expressed concern over the issue, stating that despite multiple complaints the officials had failed to act, causing frustration among the residents.
They emphasised that simply issuing fine or impounding vehicles temporarily have had a little effect and the illegal mining continued unabated.
During the meeting, it was decided that a formal discussion with the departments concerned and the district administration would soon be held under the chairmanship of the local MLA to find a concrete solution.
The committee members has urged the Forest Department to restore fencing in the affected area and replant trees to restore the ecological balance. They also called for strict action against the mining mafia responsible for damaging the region’s natural ecosystem.
Committee president Rajgir Mahant warned that illegal mining had altered the river’s course, putting Katrain village itself at risk.
Earlier, Katrain Bihali was home to vast fields, a natural water source, a temple, lush green cover and social gathering spaces.
However, floods in the Beas river had wiped away much of the natural heritage. The situation has been worsened by illegal miners, who have caused extensive destruction to the area. They have also damaged the local cremation ground.
In December last, a viral video showing six tractors carrying out illegal mining the Beas riverbed in Bihali, in the Raison area of Manali subdivision, raised serious concerns over the effectiveness of government efforts to tackle the menace.
The residents argue that the offenders continue to violate the law due to the lack of adequate punishment.
They demand stricter punishments under the Mining Act, additional armed vigilance staff and the empowerment of panchayats to monitor illegal mining.
Kullu District Mining Officer Suresh Kumar stated that the district currently had only two Assistant Mining Inspectors and five Mining Guards. One inspector is based at the headquarters in Kullu, while the other is stationed at Anni.
He emphasised that the department is working to curb illegal mining, but acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining continuous surveillance across multiple locations with limited staff.
Himachal Tribune