Digging deeper: Illegal mining plagues state

Illegal mining in Himachal Pradesh has escalated significantly over the past two years, yet the state government appears reluctant to take decisive action against the powerful mining mafia. Despite numerous directives and growing concerns, the police and state agencies hesitate to act, fearing repercussions. Fatal attacks on state officers, panchayat pradhans and whistleblowers by mining operatives have further exacerbated the situation.

To combat illegal mining and curb revenue losses worth crores, the previous BJP government led by Jai Ram Thakur had established four mining zones in the state, with headquarters in Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, and Solan. However, even after over two years, these zonal offices remain non-functional at their designated locations, with officials still operating from Shimla.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Himachal Pradesh High Court have repeatedly raised concerns about rising illegal mining and environmental degradation, particularly in Una, Kangra, Solan, and Mandi districts. In response to NGT directives, the government granted SDMs the authority to confiscate properties of those involved in illegal mining. However, enforcement remains weak due to administrative inaction.

Adding to the inefficiency, despite Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s orders to decongest Shimla, the state Industries Department has failed to relocate the zonal mining offices. Currently, all four geologists operate from a cramped office in Vikasnagar, Shimla, instead of moving to the designated headquarters in Solan, Dharamsala and Mandi, where sufficient government infrastructure is available. Each zone, headed by a geologist, has a team of four to five personnel who could be easily accommodated in these districts.

Illegal mining has become a major issue in Kangra, Mandi, Una, and Solan districts, leading to daily revenue losses amounting to lakhs of rupees and severe environmental damage.

As per the government notification: Zone 1 covers Shimla, Chamba and Kinnaur; Zone 2 includes Una, Kangra and Hamirpur; Zone 3 comprises Sirmaur, Solan and Bilaspur; and Zone 4 includes Mandi, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti.