Despite warnings, illegal mining continues on Yamuna riverbed
Pankaj Sharma
Nahan, July 31
Despite multiple directives from the district administration and police officials, illegal sand and gravel mining along the Yamuna riverbed continues unabated even during the monsoon season. Illegal miners are not only flouting the law but also risking the lives of labourers who work under perilous conditions.
The situation is particularly alarming near Yamuna Bridge, which connects Himachal Pradesh with Uttarakhand. The bridge is already in a deteriorating state, with funds allocated for its repair last year remaining unused. Despite the bridge’s fragile condition, illegal miners have continued their operations around the structure, digging so close to its foundational pillars that it is now at serious risk of collapsing.
Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner has issued strict instructions prohibiting any activity on riverbeds during the monsoon season due to the heightened risk of flash floods and rising water levels.
However, these warnings seem to have fallen on deaf ears as the illegal miners are openly extracting sand and gravel from the Yamuna in broad daylight. Their boldness poses a direct challenge to the district administration, Mining Department, Forest Department and local police. The inaction of these departments has also raised concerns among residents and officials alike.
Periodic media reports have occasionally prompted a temporary halt to these activities, but the illegal miners resume their operations soon after. Just two weeks ago, the district administration of Sirmaur issued a stern warning against entering rivers and streams during monsoon. The warning prohibited the extraction of sand and gravel, driving vehicles into riverbeds and swimming. Paonta Sahib Deputy Superintendent of Police also released an advisory, reiterating these restrictions.
Nevertheless, illegal miners continue their activities unabated, particularly near the ancient Dei Ji Sahib Temple and the Yamuna Bridge, endangering the lives of numerous labourers in the process.
There have been several reports of individuals getting stranded in the middle of rivers due to sudden rise in water levels every year. Strict enforcement of the ban on riverbed activities during monsoon is crucial to prevent loss of life.
The persistence of illegal mining in Paonta Sahib, despite repeated warnings, underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and more stringent penalties to deter these activities. Protecting the lives of labourers and preserving infrastructure must be on priority for the authorities.
