Kathua residents protest against illegal mining

KATHUA - Activists of a voluntary organization have launched a protest against illegal mining by stone crushers, which is threatening the Ravi River.

The activists of ‘Speak India’ took to streets protesting against the illegal miners and demanding governments of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir state to solve the problem.

” Both the governments of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab state should solve this problem jointly. Concern towards this issue is not just limited to Himachal Pradesh or Punjab but it is an issue of concern to the whole environment. This illegal mining can give rise to a big challenge for the environment,” said Sashi Sharma, activist.

Heavy machines have been set up by the miners to mine out sand and stone from the riverbed.

Locals fear that such illegal mining will pose a threat to environment.

” This is a big threat to our environment. You must have heard that Himachal Pradesh government had put a halt on the stone crashers after analyzing the damage it was causing to the environment but now these stone crashers have started to damage the land here near the Ravi River,” said Suresh Kaur.

Earlier this year, the Himachal Pradesh Government banned the mining of sand and stones near three major rivers of the state, Seer in Bilaspur district and Neugal and Chakki in the Kangra valley. (ANI)