Illegal mining ravages Jaisinghpur, residents demand urgent action
Despite widespread opposition from local residents, illegal mining persists in the Jaisinghpur area of Kangra district. Nearly every river and rivulet in the region is being exploited, with dozens of tippers and tractors involved in illegal extraction.
The unchecked mining activities have led to severe environmental degradation. Natural water sources are drying up, water levels in local streams have significantly declined, and rivers are changing their course, causing floods and rendering fertile land barren.
State agencies, particularly the Mining Department, have failed to comply with directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Himachal Pradesh Government to demarcate leased mining areas. The lack of proper boundary markings has allowed illegal mining to spread beyond permissible zones. A recent inspection by The Tribune revealed that no visible markings were in place to help identify legally leased mining areas, leaving local residents, panchayats, and revenue authorities powerless to monitor compliance.
Former Jaisinghpur MLA Ravinder Ravi Dhiman criticised stone crusher owners for operating outside the allotted areas due to depleted raw material. He highlighted residents’ grievances, including 24-hour operations of stone crushers that disturb daily life, disrupt students’ studies, and prevent the elderly from sleeping. The unregulated operations also contribute to large-scale pollution, leading to serious health issues in the community.
Panchayat representatives from multiple villages have urged the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra to restrict stone crusher operations to fixed hours, demanding a halt to activities after 5 pm. They also called for the swift implementation of NGT orders to prevent mining near rivers.
Recently, the Himachal Pradesh High Court took note of a news report on illegal mining in Jaisinghpur and has issued a notice to the state government, seeking a status report on the matter. Residents hope this judicial intervention will compel authorities to act decisively to end the destruction caused by illegal mining.
