File fresh affidavit on illegal mining: Court

The HP High Court has directed the Industry Department to file fresh affidavit informing therein the steps taken to curb illegal mining activities carried out in the Neugal Khad falling in Palampur area of Kangra district. Apart from this, the court has also directed the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Kangra to hold a surprise inspection of the area and give an independent report by next date and listed the matter for further hearing on July 14.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma passed this order after perusing the affidavit filed by the concerned authority explaining therein the steps taken by the Industry Department to curb illegal mining activities.

The affidavit reveals that the Industries Department has taken various steps to curb illegal mining activities. There are seven areas, which were earlier prone to illegal mining activities. These areas were put to auction for grant of mineral concessions. Three auctioned sites have come into operation and the rest would come into operation after obtaining the environment clearances by the respective Letter of Intent holders.

Various illegal approach roads leading to the riverbed of Neugal Khad have been plugged/closed and inspected by field officials. The illegal mining activities are said to have reduced to a larger extent and anyone, if found indulging in such activity, action is to be taken by duty holders as per provisions contained in the HP Minor Mineral (Concession) and Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2015.

The court said, “The said affidavit, on one hand, admits that illegal mining is going on, but does not, on the other hand, mention the proceedings launched against the violators as such in the form of FIRs/complaints filed and how many vehicles were impounded.”

It said, “We are not satisfied as such with the bald affidavit. Let a better affidavit be filed by the next date.” — OC