Activists raise voice against illegal mining along Yamuna river

Several social organisations, including Haryana Anti-Corruption Society, Yamuna Nadi Mitra Mandal and South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), Yamuna, have raised voice against illegal and unscientific mining being carried out in Yamuna river in Yamunanagar district.

These organisations have requested the government to stop illegal and unscientific mining immediately alleging that it is posing a threat to the existence of the river.

All these organisations held a meeting on the premises of Inqlab Mandir, situated in Gumthala Rao village of Yamunanagar district.

This unique Inqlab Mandir has idols of martyrs and freedom fighters, instead of idols of Gods and Goddesses and this temple has been established by the Haryana Anti-Corruption Society to increase the feeling of patriotism among people.

BS Rawat, Associate Coordinator of SANDRP, said the Yamuna river was the largest and most important tributary of the national river Ganga.

“The Yamuna river is the only living river of Haryana and the lifeline of the state. It irrigates a large area of agricultural land and it is the main source of drinking water for a large population in the state,” said BS Rawat.

President of Haryana Anti Corruption Society Advocate Waryam Singh said that illegal mining was being carried out on large scale in the area along the Yamuna river at several places in district for several years.

He said several contractors were also carrying out mining in legal quarries along the river in an unscientific way in violation of instructions of the Ministry of Environment and the orders of the National Green Tribunal.

“In violation of rules, the contractors are carrying out mining, blocking the flowing area of ??the river, at a depth of greater than the approved limit and using heavy machines. When we brought these violations into the notice of authorities of concerned departments, they took no serious action,” said Advocate Waryam Singh.

He said the government should immediately put a ban on mining in the area for at least five years so that the river gets time to restore its ecosystem by filling it with minerals.

“A flow of at least 2,000 cusecs of water should be ensured in the Yamuna river from Hathnikund Barrage during the non-monsoon months so that the river does not become seasonal and keeps flowing throughout the year,” said Advocate Waryam Singh. He said an independent and impartial investigation should be conducted by a retired judge or the CBI and strict action should be taken against persons indulging in illegal and unscientific mining.

“We have filed a PIL in Punjab and Haryana High Court against those involved in illegal mining. We hope that we will get justice from the High Court and the public will heave a sigh of relief,” said Advocate Waryam Singh.