Illegal mining unchecked in Balh valley

Our Correspondent

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Sundernagar, June 19

The number of illegal mining cases has increased manifold in Balh Valley of Mandi district during the past few months. The unlawful activity is mainly centered in Suketi khud and Kansa khud of Balh valley.

Yudh Chand, a resident of Nagchala village, said heavy machinery was used for digging and several vehicles transported sand and gravel from early morning till late in the evening.

Large number of persons engaged in illegal mining here own landholdings on both sides of the khud. They indulge in mining without permission from the Mining Department.

Rajiv Kalia, mining officer, Mandi, denied any incident of illegal mining. He said no complaint regarding illegal mining had been received by the department, adding that field staff was deputed and challans were issued under the Mining Laws whenever such incidents were reported in the past.

On the other hand, residents of Lohara village alleged that the department’s field staff took sides with the mining mafia and whenever they reported the matter, the mafia somehow got whiff of the matter.