NGT panel reach Una to investigate illegal mining complaints

A National Green Tribunal (NGT) panel formed by former Punjab and Haryana High Court justice Jasbir Singh reached the banks of Swan River in Una district, Himachal Pradesh to investigate the illegal mining in the area.

Una (Himachal Pradesh): The issue of illegal mining in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh is getting serious and has reached the National Green Tribunal (NGT). On Thursday, a panel formed by the NGT and appointed by former Punjab and Haryana High Court justice Jasbir Singh reached ground zero and started an official investigation on this matter. The NGT panel visited the sites mentioned by the complainant and investigated the spots.

During this investigation drive, several senior officers of the Himachal Pradesh administration, including District Collector Una, SP Una and several officers of various departments were also present. The NGT panel inspected the mining leases by reaching the banks of Swan, the main river of Una district. NGT panel has also provided necessary guidelines to the officials for the mining process.

Meanwhile, former High Court Justice Jasbir Singh said that the NGT panel has completed its investigation and a detailed report will be prepared and submitted to the tribunal.

Earlier, Amandeep, the main complainant from Una district, had complained to the NGT on the issue of illegal mining and loss of crores of rupees to the Swan River embankment project. The National Green Tribunal had constituted a panel headed by former Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Jasbir Singh to investigate this complaint.

Amandeep had alleged that the illegal mining is being done in an unscientific way and is causing extensive damage to natural resources. He added that illegal mining is also affecting the tube wells installed for agricultural purposes on the banks of the Swan River. There are also some areas in the middle of the river where mining leases has not been given, but still, illegal mining is being done. Even in the area where mining lease was given, the rules have been violated. NGT will soon have the report and will take necessary actions in the case.