Despite repeated warnings and strict directions from the district administration against venturing near riverbeds due to the increased risk of flash floods, illegal mining activity continues unabated along the Neugal river.
Many unidentified individuals have been reportedly seen entering the swollen river to dig out sand and stones, endangering their lives in the process.
On Friday morning, a tractor-trailer was seen trapped in the middle of the stream in the Thural area of Palampur when its occupants were illegally mining materials from the riverbed. The incident highlights the serious risks involved in entering flood-prone water bodies, particularly during the monsoon season, when water levels can surge without warning.
Every year, mining in rivers and rivulets is completely banned before the monsoon begins to protect the lives of those involved. However, this year, the mining department has not yet issued any such order. This delay and lack of action could lead to a serious tragedy. In fact, it seems the department has not learned from the recent incident in Muayuni Khud near Dharamsala, where 15 labourers were swept away in flashfloods.
The Kangra Superintendent of Police said that though the police had issued stern warnings, some illegal miners entered the Neugal river on Wednesday. She confirmed that the police are aware of the incident and will take strict action. Those involved will face charges under the Himachal Pradesh Mineral and Mining Act as well as the Indian Penal Code. She also issued a strong warning to the mining mafia, saying her team has been directed to take firm action against anyone breaking the law.
This isn’t the first time such a risky incident has happened. Two years back, nine people got stranded in the flooded Neugal river near Thural, about 40 km from Palampur. They went at night to illegally extract sand and stones when sudden flash floods, caused by heavy rain in the Dhauladhar hills, raised the water level. Luckily, they were rescued by teams from the NDRF, Army, and police.
Earlier, a high-level team sent by the Himachal Pradesh High Court made a surprise visit to the illegal mining sites along the Neugal river on Tuesday. The team included mining experts and judicial officers who spoke with local villagers and registered their statements. They also looked into the environmental damage caused by the unchecked mining in the area.
Villagers strongly demanded a complete and immediate ban on all mining activities in the rivers and rivulets around Thural and Sulaha.
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