MLA sounds alarm on unchecked illegal mining in Neugal river, threatens protest

Vipin Singh Parmar, BJP MLA from Sullah, has raised serious concerns over unchecked illegal mining in the Neugal river, which serves as a lifeline for the lower areas of Palampur and supports over 50 water supply schemes. Speaking to The Tribune, Parmar criticised the local administration, alleging collusion with the mining mafia and failure to curb environmental degradation despite a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on mining activities in the region.

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Parmar revealed that his persistent efforts over the past year and a half have been in vain, as the Mining Department, police, and local administration have failed to act against illegal operations. He accused them of enabling the mafia to exploit natural resources, causing immense environmental harm and financial losses to the state.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Parmar said illegal mining had impacted over 2,000 hectares of land, dried up dozens of water supply schemes, and led to large-scale environmental degradation. Residents of Sullah, deeply affected by the activities, have repeatedly approached Deputy Commissioner Kangra Hem Raj Berwa and Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri, but their grievances remain unaddressed.

To escalate the issue, Parmar announced his intention to stage a dharna on the Palampur-Hamirpur highway at Thural with thousands of residents if no action is taken by January 10. He further warned that protests would shift to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Dharamshala if illegal mining continues beyond that date.

Parmar expressed particular concern over the permission granted by SDM Dheera to construct a road through government land to a mining site. He called the decision a gross violation of rules and urged the Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, to investigate the matter and take action against the SDM.

The MLA emphasised that this issue transcends political affiliations, as it involves environmental destruction and significant revenue losses for the state. He urged the Chief Minister to intervene urgently to prevent the situation from worsening.

Parmar also pointed out that stone crushers operating in the region are flouting Pollution Control Board (PCB) guidelines, functioning with impunity. He criticised the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited for allegedly allowing crushers to operate in violation of rules.

In closing, Parmar reiterated his commitment to standing with the residents of Sulaha and demanded immediate action to halt illegal mining, enforce NGT directives, and address the ongoing crisis affecting the environment and livelihoods.