Unscientific Mining Threatens Himalayan Stability

A government-appointed panel has raised alarms regarding the adverse impacts of unscientific mining in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district, highlighting threats to village stability and essential water sources. The panel's report, unveiled to the National Green Tribunal, stresses the urgent need for sweeping mining reforms and rigorous monitoring to curb these escalating risks.

Bageshwar, particularly its Kanda-Kanyal valley, is rich in soapstone deposits, crucial for various industries. However, the region faces significant challenges similar to those in Jyotirmath, where land subsidence caused severe infrastructure damage in 2023. Public outcry led to the assembly of a panel comprised of experts from leading geological and environmental institutions to assess the district's mining operations.

The panel's investigation into 61 mines revealed worrying practices like steep slope alterations and haphazard waste disposal. Highlighting Bageshwar's location in a seismic zone, the experts called for advanced technologies and comprehensive monitoring to prevent further geological damage. The report urges the adoption of sustainable mining strategies and the establishment of stringent environmental safeguards.

(With inputs from agencies.)