Chandigarh | Jun 16, 2016: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has put the Centre as well as the Haryana state government on notice while hearing a public interest litigation alleging unabated illegal mining in the Aravallis of Mewat district despite there being complete ban on mining.

Vacation bench comprising Justices M Jeyapaul and TS Dhindsa, on a petition filed by Mewat-resident Aas Mohammad, directed the authorities to file their response by August 1. The petitioner has alleged that a Jodhpur-based firm, Axcence Royalty Company, in collusion with the government authorities, is responsible for illegal mining in the Aravalli region. The court has also issued notice to the company for filing of its reply.

It was submitted that the petitioner made a representation to the official respondents along with photographs of the area requesting therein to stop illegal mining, felling of trees and damage to check dams which was being done by the company. Despite submitting proofs of illegal minning in the area, officials failed miserably to take action to save the environment.

The petitioner has submitted that appropriate directions are required to be issued to stop illegal mining activities in the area for justice and equity.

(Source: http://indianexpress.com/)