The Uttarakhand High Court has scheduled a hearing on March 10 to delve further into the ramifications of soapstone mining in the Bageshwar district, which has allegedly caused significant damage to local villages. This decision follows a preliminary session on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing the appearance of cracks in homes and destruction of agricultural lands in the region.
The court, under the leadership of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mehra, has taken suo motu cognizance of the issue. They have directed the state government to furnish details regarding the mining operations and to verify the claims of the adverse effects cited by the residents.
The concern was initially brought to the court’s attention through a heartfelt letter from the villagers of Kanda tehsil. They reported severe disruptions to their daily lives, including the destruction of homes and water lines due to unauthorized soapstone extraction activities. The letter poignantly noted that while those with means have relocated, the less fortunate remain and suffer the brunt of the environmental degradation.
During the recent hearing, Bageshwar’s Superintendent of Police and the chairman of the investigation committee, Anil Kumar, participated via video conferencing. He reported to the court that 72 excavation sites had been inspected, with findings from 55 already submitted for judicial review.
