Illegal mining: HC bans mining for four months in Uttarakhand
What's the story
Uttarakhand HC has ordered a ban on all mining activities in the state for four months, and directed the government to form a panel to determine whether mining activities should be allowed at all.
The committee will also prepare a 50-year blueprint with respect to environmental effects of mining.
The order comes a few days after mining mafia allegedly mowed down a forest official.
Information
New Uttarakhand government pulls up socks against illegal mining
New Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat batted for a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining, directing strong action against those involved. Secretary, Mining, Shailesh Bagoli, announced steps to assist personnel distinguish between legal and illegal mining, and establishment of better coordination between police and district magistrates.
Observations
Man's 'mindless deeds' responsible for natural hazards: Court observes
While hearing a petition on illegal mining in Bageshwar district, the HC bench observed: "The Shivalik region of the Himalayas is getting fragile by mining activities. It is also arbitrary on the part of the state to permit mining in the fragile areas."
Petitioner Navin Chandra Pant claimed mining was being carried out within 20m radius from residences and schools, threatening safety and security.
Data
Mining companies manipulating data for clearances, study finds
A 2016 environment ministry study found at least four major mining companies had used fake data to obtain environmental clearances. Approvals for several projects were deferred on detection of lapses in their reports, and warnings issued.