Illegal Mining in Himachal Pradesh :

The uncontrolled and illegal mining of sand, concrete and stones is causing great concern to both scientists and environmentalist and major cause of concern for the state . Mandi and Kullu district are the main thrust areas for the illegal miners business activities. In the beginning, mining was done by poor local families to feed their families, but later, keeping in view the great potential in this business, many private miners entered this area and this has totally changed the riverbank landscape.

Though there are several mining sites marked by the government, but unplanned and unscientific mining is worrying scientists, ecologists and environmentalists.The illegal mining of quarry rocks and boulders by private companies, could cause devastating floods and avalanches in the Kullu Valley.

Private miners in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh are exploiting the area's rich mines in the absence of any regulation by the state government, and this is threatening Himalayan ecology and environment.

Impacts :

•  According to scientist, Himalayan topography is made of loose soil, and if uncontrolled mining is done, it will definitely increase erosion activity along riverbanks, thus destroying the whole eco system.
• It destroys the whole eco system. It also impacts atmospheric changes, which may lead to cloudbursts. Such cloudbursts will damage property and natural resources heavily.
• Large-scale Illegal Mining in Himachal Creates Deep Ravines in Rivulets. During 2016-2017 financial year, 8,500 cases of illegal mining were detected and a compounding fee of Rs 4.50 crore was imposed on them.
• llegal mining in Himachal Pradesh has been causing damage to fisheries and aquifer. The state has produced 563 tonnes of fish in this fiscal and its production is declining due to four-laning of roads. Himachal Pradesh, with its five rivers, numerous streams and reservoirs, has a big potential for fish production, say experts. Of the 3,000-km network of fisheries' water resources, 600 km of cold water streams are conducive for trout farming. Illegal mining in Himachal Pradesh has been causing damage to fisheries and aquifer. The state has produced 563 tonnes of fish in this fiscal and its production is declining also due to four-laning of roads.

Steps taken by Government :

1. To deal with the issue of illegal mining, the state government is contemplating using drones to check it.Recently, the Himachal Pradesh high court had directed the state authorities to examine the aspect of using drones in place of CCTV cameras 

• To stop the illegal transportation of sands and gravels from riverbeds, the State Government is considering to set up a Special Task Force (STF) which will be stationed at Nurpur, Una, Nalagarh and Kala Amb. Govt. is also planning to create flying squads which will raid the spots of illegal mining and confiscate the vehicles and machineries.
• The Mining Officers of the State have been entrusted with the responsibility of identifying illegal curbed routes leading to river beds for carrying out illegal mining activities and chalk out action plan to be implemented in compliance to previous directions issued by the Hon’ble Court and the State to effectively curb illegal mining activities.
• After identifying such routes by the mining officers, the same should be reported to concerned Deputy Commissioners so that these illegal routes could be dismantled immediately.All the mining officers to identify mineral potential areas vulnerable to illegal mining in their respective districts so that the same could be put for public auction. This would not only help in checking illegal mining but also legal material would be available in the markets and would also add to the State exchequer. Also the mining officers to submit proposal auctions in a time bound manner.
• The mining officers to ensure surprise raids frequently and take deterrent action against the offenders.
• For the convenience of the general public the telephone numbers of all the mining officers would be made available so that any information regarding illegal mining activities could be reported immediately.
• The state government then amended the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) and Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining Transportation and Storage) Rules-2015 with an objective to simplify procedural requirements, and to punish offenders.
• While there was no enhancement in imprisonment for illegal mining, which is two years at present, the fine was increased by 20 times – from Rs 25,000 to Rs 5 lakh.
• To ensure transparency, all procedures had been made available online, with the launch of the mining portal of the geological wing of the Industries Department . Applicants would be able to apply online for various services of the geological wing like approval certificate, mining lease, stone crusher, issue of transit pass and M-form generation, which will ensure transparency and reduce human interface.
• The state government will strictly ban illegal mining and stringent action will be taken against people involved in illegal mining.

These illegal mining activities have taken a toll on lives. The use of heavy earth moving machinery has changed the course of water.