Mining mafia active in Neugal river presses heavy machinery for stone excavation

Rampant illegal and unscientific mining in the Neugal river near Sail Maila village, 25 km from Palampur, has become a matter of concern for residents of the area. Despite persistent opposition from local residents, the mining mafia continues to excavate stones using heavy machinery like JCBs and Poklanes, creating trenches up to four-metre deep in parts of the riverbed. Only last week three persons, including two residents along with their grandson, lost their lives when they drowned in a deep trench in the river bed.

Since the government had allowed use of heavy machinery for the excavation of stones and sand from rivers, the situation had gone from bad to worse. Despite the fact that there is a complete ban on mining in the Neugal river, the mafia is active in the river round the clock.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) have directed the state authorities time and again to implement ban on mining in the Neugal river, but hardly anybody bothers.

Efforts of half a dozen panchayats of Thural and Dheera tehsil to stall illegal mining have been hampered due to lack of support from the local SDM, the police and the mining authorities. Repeated complaints by these panchayats on the CM helpline have yielded no results. Seema Devi, pradhan of Batthan (Thural) panchayat says, “Our panchayat has been facing a case in Himachal Pradesh High Court following a complaint filed against the mining mafia.” She categorically stated that without support of the local authorities illegal mining cannot be controlled.

Sat Pal, a whistle blower, who is fighting against the mining mafia active in the Neugal river says, “Illegal mining has led to severe environmental degradation, deforestation and water pollution. It has become a highly lucrative business for the mafia in the lower areas of Palampur and Jaisinghpur. The Neugal river, a vital drinking water source for lower Palampur, is now under threat. The local authorities, including the police and the Mining Department, appear to be complicit by ignoring such activities.”

“Recently, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh, while addressing Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, emphasised on the economic and environmental losses caused by illegal mining. He directed them to enforce a complete ban on such activities. However, this directive has had a little impact in Kangra district,” he said.

“The ongoing illegal mining poses a dual threat to the environment, the drinking water security of the region and state exchequer. Immediate intervention by the authorities concerned is essential to address violations and protect the river ecosystem,” he said.

Himachal Tribune