ED investigation brings focus on illegal mining in Kangra, Una districts
The arrest of Gian Chand, who was allegedly associated with the sand mining and the stone crusher industry, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again brought focus on illegal mining in Una and Kangra districts.
The ED claimed that illegal sand mining operations in the Beas had led to the generations of proceeds of the crime to the tune of hundreds of crores of rupees. The ED has initiated an investigation into illegal mining cases on the basis of six FIRs forwarded by the Himachal Pradesh Police and registered in different police stations of Kangra and Una. As per the FIRs, illegal mining activities were allegedly taking place on government land. Tippers, poclains, JCB machines and tractors were actively used in illegally extracting minerals and consequently transporting these to stone crushers.
A case referred by the Una police has revealed that the state government was defrauded of Rs 79.87 crore due to illegal mining and unreported sale of materials by a stone crusher in the district, without the payment of statutory dues.
The ED has issued a provisional attachment order for movable and immovable assets of the stone crusher’s owner, while the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Dharamsala has taken cognizance of the case.
Illegal mining in Una and Kangra districts, particularly near the Punjab border, has been a longstanding political issue in Himachal Pradesh. Notably, around 80 per cent of the stone crushers in these districts are located near the border. Una district has about 40 registered stone crushers, including 30 near the Punjab border. Kangra district has 65 crushers, including 50 situated in Nurpur and Indora tehsils bordering Punjab.
Illegal mining on riverbeds and in hills in Kangra and Una districts to meet the rising demand of sand and gravel in Punjab has repeatedly been discussed in the state Assembly. Former Congress MLA from Dalhousie, Asha Kumari, had raised concerns over the growing influence of those controlling mining operations in the state.
The police and other authorities have made several proposals to check illegal mining. The Kangra police have recommended that illegal mining be made a non-bailable offence, and both Kangra and Una district administrations have proposed geo-tagging of the areas leased for mining to facilitate satellite monitoring. However, none of these measures have been implemented on the ground.
In response to complaints from locals, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had recommended a minimum fine of Rs 4 lakh on tippers and JCB machines seized while engaged in illegal mining activities in Una. However, the order has not been implemented.
The ED’s investigation into illegal mining in the state highlight that it continues to be a major issue, controlled by influential individuals.
