Dehradun | April 01, 2016: Illegal mining is being carried out blatantly at the leased mining lot along the Dhauliganga river at Suraitota which is located in the buffer zone of the Nanda Devi national park. Due to the illegal use of mechanical excavators for mining, concerns are also being raised about the ecological damage and impact on the fauna and riverine system.
The locals allege that the indiscriminate mechanical mining is not only damaging the habitat for aquatic life but is also meddling with the river morphology. However, the departmental authorities concerned appear to be unaware of illegal mining continuing blatantly. When contacted by The Pioneer on this issue, the Joshimath sub divisional magistrate confirmed that such mining activity is illegal. Necessary action will be taken in this case, he added.
As per the complaint, the illegal mining is being carried out in open public view at the mining lot leased out by the Revenue department at Suraitota, Joshimath in Chamoli district. Those involved in the illegal business are using mechanical excavators (JCBs) to carry out the mining which is illegal.
As per the mining lease conditions, the mining has to be manual and not undertaken through the use of mechanical excavators. Local area resident Soban Butola said that the mining mafia is openly flouting the rules and exerting a detrimental effect on the fauna and ecology.
In addition to this, those carrying out the illegal mining are also meddling with the course and other aspects of the Dhauliganga river. The forest department and district administration appear to have remained apathetic to this criminal activity damaging the environment.
When contacted by this correspondent on the issue, the Joshimath sub divisional magistrate Shailendra Negi said that use of mechanical excavators on the leased mining lot is illegal. Necessary action will be taken against the persons concerned for this, he added. The villagers on the other hand state that irrespective of claims made by the authorities, the nexus of illegal mining is thriving in the region.
(Source: http://www.dailypioneer.com/)