Environmentalists demand ban on mining in Beas

Environmentalists and social organisations have called for a complete ban on all mining activities in the Beas and its tributaries, hailing the recent decision by the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government to ban mining in Una district. They urged the Chief Minister to extend the ban to the Beas and its tributaries, including Neugal, Binwa, Mol, Baner, Mandh and Awa, which originate from the Dhauladhar hills and serve as crucial sources of drinking water for the Palampur region.

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At a press briefing, representatives of organisations such as People’s Voice, Environment Healers, and Save Earth Save Neugal River condemned the impact of reckless, unscientific mining. Despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on mining in the Beas, the practice continues unabated due to the alleged negligence of state agencies. Illegal mining, often carried out using heavy machinery like JCBs, has severely damaged riverbeds and violated environmental regulations.

The Beas, one of North India’s largest rivers, supports numerous dams, power projects and irrigation schemes. However, it is facing ecological degradation due to unchecked mining and deforestation. Tributaries like Neugal, Binwa, Bhiral, Awa and Mol have been particularly affected, with severe erosion and damage caused by sand and stone extraction.

Environmentalists highlighted that illegal mining has created deep ravines in areas such as Sujanpur, Harsipattan, Alampur, Jaisinghpur, and Rakkar in Kangra district. Ravines as deep as 100 feet can be seen near the Alampur-Jaisinghpur highway, underscoring the extensive damage caused.

Local environmentalists, including Subhash Sharma, Varun Bhuria and Ashwani Gautam, accused state agencies of failing to enforce the NGT ban and curtail the influence of the mining mafia, which allegedly operates under political protection. They warned that the situation threatens many drinking water supply and irrigation schemes reliant on the Beas. The mafia has reportedly damaged supply lines and riverbeds, endangering the region’s water security.

During the last Assembly elections, the Congress had promised to curb illegal mining, making it a key poll issue. However, despite the closure of stone crushers following the flash floods of August 2023, mining leases were not canceled, allowing illegal activities to persist. The environmentalists expressed disappointment over the government’s inability to fulfill its promises.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court recently took cognisance of illegal mining in the Beas River at Jaisinghpur, following a news report. The court has directed the state government, including the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, to submit a status report.

Palampur Divisional Forest Officer Sanjiv Sharma confirmed that illegal mining activities have also encroached on forest lands. Over the past six months, the forest department has dismantled several unauthorized roads constructed by the mafia to access riverbeds. Stringent measures have been initiated to prevent further exploitation of forest areas.

The environmental groups demand comprehensive ban on all forms of legal and illegal mining in the Beas and its tributaries to safeguard the region’s ecology and water resources.