Tuesday, 05 MARCH 2024 | PNS | UTTARKASHI
Illegal mining activities have continued in full public view on the banks of the Bhagirathi river in Uttarkashi district. Those involved in illegal mining have dug up large holes which have also affected the flow and level of water in the river in some places. Locals state that such illegal mining is being carried out in blatant violation of the law and court orders but the departmental officials are ignoring this and the potential threat it poses.
Mining is now allowed due to the existence of the eco-sensitive zone till Joshiyara bridge in Uttarkashi. In the past, the Uttarakhand High Court had also banned mining within a certain radius of all bridges to prevent any danger to the bridge in the future. However, mining is being carried out blatantly near bridges in Uttarkashi. Such illegal mining is being carried out near the Tiloth bridge, Joshiyara, Gangori, Manera, Badethi, Telkha, Dunda and other places. The working president of the identified statehood activists association Vijendra and the Rashtriya Hindu Sangh have alleged that the district administration is not acting against the illegal mining activities in the district which has encouraged such elements to continue their actions blatantly.They said that illegal mining may fuel the risk of flood and potential damage to bridges if left unchecked, adding that the authorities should take swift and effective action against such activities. Departmental officials state that they are acting against such illegal mining and also imposing penalties but the locals state that the effect of action by the authorities is not visible on the ground.
The issue of illegal mining in Uttarkashi has gained prominence in recent years with the local media and social organisations also raising this issue on various occasions. However, the authorities are yet to act effectively against such illegal activities which are causing damage to the environment.
