Our Correspondent
Palampur, June 25
NGT Called For Three-Year Ban
- Sources revealed that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned mining in the Neugal for three years. Therefore, no part of the riverbed could be leased out for mining.
- The High Court had also directed the government that no mining lease should be allotted without public auction.
Residents of the Thural area here today held a protest against the decision of the state government to lease out a part of the Neugal riverbed in the Bathan panchayat for mining and setting up a stone crusher.
They said that there was a ban on mining in the Neugal riverbed, therefore it was illegal to allot a lease. Besides, as per the law, without public hearings, no land could be leased out for mining.
The protesters said that they would not allow mining in their area, as it would lead to health hazards, and environmental degradation. Besides, it would damage the village cremation ground, local paths, water supply schemes and bridges.
The villagers in a large number assembled at Thural and threatened to launch a dharna if the government goes ahead with its decision. They requested the local MLA, Vipin Parmar, not to allow illegal mining in the riverbed. In December last year, the Kangra Deputy Commissioner had cancelled a proposal but now again the mining mafia was targeting the river, they added.
Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.