The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department carried out a major demolition operation on Friday, targeting unauthorised roads constructed by illegal mining operators inside reserved forest land along the Neugal river in the Sulaha area of Palampur. A team led by Range Officer Aditya Kumar, accompanied by local panchayat representatives, executed the operation in Pannapar panchayat, where illegal access routes had been built to facilitate sand and stone extraction from the riverbed.
Crackdown on Illegal Mining Infrastructure
Using heavy earth-moving machinery and operating under tight security arrangements, Forest Department personnel dismantled roads and blocked entry points leading to mining sites. Senior forest officials supervised the entire operation, which came after persistent complaints from residents, panchayat members, and environmental groups about rampant illegal mining in the region.
According to officials, unauthorised mining activities have caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, including village paths, irrigation channels, electricity installations, roads, and even cremation grounds. The department has been facing mounting pressure to act as the mining mafia continued to encroach upon reserved forest areas, digging deep trenches to extract sand and stone.
Environmental Impact and Activist Concerns
Environmental activists have alleged that reckless mining has severely disrupted the river ecosystem and degraded large stretches of forest land. The Neugal river, a vital water source for the area, has been particularly affected. Activists from the group People’s Voice — Save Nature, Save Neugal River — have been campaigning for stricter enforcement of mining regulations.
Speaking to The Tribune, a senior Forest Department official stated, "The mining mafia has caused extensive damage to the natural environment and destroyed green cover in the area. We have launched a sustained campaign to remove all illegal access routes and prevent further encroachment." The official emphasized that the department would not tolerate any misuse of forest land for illegal activities.
Local Community Response
Residents of Pannapar and members of the environmental group welcomed the Forest Department’s action, describing it as a long-awaited step towards protecting the fragile ecosystem. They noted that illegal mining had not only caused environmental degradation but also resulted in substantial financial losses to the state exchequer, as large quantities of sand and stone were allegedly transported without payment of the prescribed government royalty.
Local environmentalists urged the authorities to maintain regular surveillance and take stringent action against those involved in illegal mining to ensure the long-term protection of the Neugal river and surrounding forest areas. They expressed hope that the demolition of access roads would deter further illegal activity and help restore the damaged ecosystem.
Background of Illicit Mining in the Region
The Sulaha area and Pannapar panchayat have been hotspots for illegal sand and stone mining for years. Despite multiple complaints and previous actions, the mining mafia has repeatedly rebuilt access routes after demolitions. The Forest Department’s latest operation is part of a sustained campaign to break this cycle. By blocking access, the department aims to make it significantly harder for illegal operators to continue their activities. The department has also warned that any further encroachment will be met with strict legal action, including criminal charges under the Indian Forest Act and environmental protection laws.
