Illegal mining unabated in Mandi, Kullu

Tribune News Service

Dipender Manta

Mandi, August 7

Illegal mining is continuing with impunity in Mandi and Kullu districts though the Mining Department and the police are maintaining a strict vigil. Illegal mining also poses a threat to the ecology of water bodies in both districts.

Data obtained from the Mining Department reveals that in Mandi district, 598 cases of illegal mining were recorded from April 2021 to June 2022 as compared to 439 such cases during April 2020 to June 2021.

The Mining Department collected over Rs 24 lakh as fine from offenders in 598 cases between April 2021 and June 2022 compared to over Rs 23 lakh between April 2020 and June 2021.

In Kullu district, 605 illegal mining cases were reported during 2021-22 and the Mining Department collected over Rs 21 lakh as fine from offenders. During 2020-21, 668 illegal mining cases were registered and over Rs 25 lakh was collected as fine.

The mining mafia is mainly targeting the Beas from Manali in Kullu district up to Mandi. However, the mafias are subdued these days due to the rainy season and a heavy flow of water in the Beas and other rivers. In Mandi district, illegal mining is rampant in the Balh valley.

Narender Saini, president of the Dev Bhumi Prayavaran Rakshak Manch, says, “It is unfortunate that the mining mafias are plundering natural wealth indiscriminately without any fear of law. They operate under political patronage. The illegal activity poses a serious threat to the ecology of the Beas and other water bodies in Mandi district. There is an urgent need to curb illegal mining to protect nature.”

Bhupender Singh, a resident of Dharampur, says that the mafias are constantly lifting material from Sone and Bhakhal rivulets.

Mandi Mining Officer Shailza Chaudhary says, “The department is maintaining a close vigil on offenders and penalising them. We conduct raids at suspected places and also take help of the police to nab offenders.”

Kullu Mining Officer Suresh Kumar says that they are also closely monitoring vulnerable places and imposing fines on those indulging in illegal mining.

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