Sand from the riverbeds to various construction sites. The issue is compounded by the fact that local villagers are often involved in these operations, and some even resort to violence when confronted or challenged. In addition, there have been reports of corruption among government officials who turn a blind eye to this illegal activity in exchange for bribes. The ongoing conflicts over jurisdiction caused by unclear boundaries are causing concern in the border areas between Kangra and Sirmaur districts in Himachal Pradesh. Unfortunately, illegal sand mining remains prevalent throughout the state with several riverbeds such as Sutlej, Yamuna, Beas, Ravi, Chakki, and Swan being hotspots for this unlawful practice. Despite attempts to curb it through police action and heavy penalties imposition, illegal sand mining continues unabatedly throughout the night with numerous tippers and tractor-trolleys transporting sand from riverside locations to construction sites. This problem gets exacerbated due to involvement from local villagers who sometimes resort to violent means if faced with challenges or confrontation. Furthermore, there have been allegations of bribery against corrupt officials who overlook these activities on account of kickbacks received by them.
Illegal sand mining is a serious problem in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the riverbeds of the Sutlej, Yamuna, Beas, Ravi, Chakki, and Swan, where it is banned. Despite changes in leadership, police crackdowns, and heavy penalties, the practice continues unabated. The situation is particularly grave in the border areas of Kangra district and Sirmaur district, where jurisdiction conflicts are common due to un-demarcated boundaries, and the mining mafia attacks government officers and villagers who raise their voices against them.
The problem is so rampant that it causes extensive damage to public and private property, as exemplified by the collapse of the British-era Chakki Railway Bridge on the Himachal-Punjab border in Kangra last year. Furthermore, the mining mafia operates under the cover of darkness and is more organised than the mining department, which lacks the necessary resources to curb illegal mining effectively. As a result, coordinated efforts are needed from all departments, including the police, public works, jal shakti, and forest, to curb the practice.
While the police department is the most active in cracking down on illegal mining, there is a need for an enforcement wing comprising police and mining and transportation department representatives to patrol all-terrain vehicles and drones to check illegal mining effectively. Weighbridges must also be installed at prominent places on highways for the mandatory weighing of mined material from crushers.
The state government has created four mining zones in the state to effectively enforce mining laws and monitor illegal mining after restructuring the geological wing of the industries department. Furthermore, to increase its visibility in the field, the department has started the process of recruiting 28 mining guards, and the recruitment of mining inspectors and assistant mining inspectors is underway. The department has also decided to auction all government land on which illegal mining takes place, for which cases of Forest Conservation Act (FCA) and Forests Rights Act (FRA) clearances are being expedited.
In the past three years, the mining department executed 207 mining leases in the state and earned revenue of more than ₹23.19 crore. However, the rampant practice of illegal mining is causing extensive damage to the environment and posing a serious threat to public safety. Therefore, it is essential to tackle the problem effectively and prevent the mining mafia.
