Illegal mining threatens green cover in Kangra dist

Jaisinghpur, Sulaha, Baijnath and Palampur face significant environmental degradation due to rampant illegal mining along a 100-km stretch of the Neugal, Mol, Awa and Binwa rivers, tributaries of the Beas. Mining operations have led to the destruction of the green cover as forest land is misused to access riverbeds. The mining mafia has illegally axed trees and constructed roads through forest areas, exacerbating the ecological crisis.

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Despite the state government’s mining policy, sand and boulder extraction continues unchecked. The mafia employs tractors, tippers and earthmovers to operate round the clock, temporarily halting activities only during raids by police or the Mining Department. However, they quickly resume operations, often reconstructing dismantled illegal roads.

In a recent incident, roads to riverbeds near Government Degree College, Thural, previously destroyed by authorities, were rebuilt by the mafia. This relentless activity has even affected the riverbanks. Concerned by the lack of strict government action, local panchayats and youth from areas like Thural, Challaha Naun, Sedu, and Dirhar—hotspots of illegal mining—have formed a committee to monitor and report these activities. Previously, this group compelled authorities to dismantle roads constructed illegally through forest lands.

Palampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sanjiv Sharma said teams have been deployed to monitor illegal mining, particularly in Baijnath, Jaisinghpur and Dheera subdivisions. Over the past three months, the Forest Department has dismantled most illegal roads leading to riverbeds. Sharma emphasized that unauthorized entry into rivers would not be tolerated and assured firm government action against the mafia responsible for environmental damage.

Baijnath DSP Anil Sharma reiterated the police’s commitment to addressing the issue. Dozens of individuals have been booked under the IPC and issued challans under the Mining Act. However, the challenge remains substantial, requiring sustained vigilance and enforcement.

Illegal mining poses a severe threat to the region’s green cover, biodiversity, and water resources. While some steps have been taken, stricter implementation of laws and community involvement are critical to curbing this menace and preserving the fragile ecosystem.