Residents of at least 12 panchayats in the Mol Khud area of Kangra district will hold a daylong peaceful hunger strike on Sunday to protest alleged environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and demand immediate measures for the protection of the river ecosystem. The protest, organized under the banner of the ‘Mol Khud Bachao Abhiyan’, will take place at Mol Khud in Sanhoo gram panchayat starting at 10 am.
Protest Details and Leadership
Sanjay Rana, president of the Sangharsh Committee, addressed the media and urged the public to join the movement under the slogan ‘Save Mol Khud, Save the Environment’. The agitation will be led by social activist Balwant Singh. Organizers have informed the district administration, gram panchayat, and police about the protest to ensure it remains peaceful and orderly.
Environmental Concerns
Rana highlighted that the protest aims to draw attention to the continuous decline in groundwater levels, soil erosion, threats to natural water sources, ecological imbalance, and the need to preserve the area’s natural heritage. Villagers describe Mol Khud as a valuable environmental asset that must be protected for future generations.
Growing Concern Over Mining Impact
The protest comes amid growing concern over the environmental impact of mining activities in the area. Villagers are demanding stricter regulation and effective conservation measures to safeguard water resources and natural landscapes. The hunger strike is a peaceful effort to pressure authorities to take action against illegal mining and restore the river ecosystem.
