Heavy Machine Mining in Suswa River: Uttarakhand High Court Seeks Government’s Report

The Uttarakhand High Court has taken a tough stance on large-scale mining with heavy machines in the Suswa River and other rivers in Dehradun’s Doiwala region. Concerned about the environmental impact and the livelihoods of local communities, the court has directed the state government to present a detailed report on its mining policies. The next hearing is scheduled for April 3, 2025.

The Controversy: Mining vs. Environment

This legal battle began when Dehradun resident Virendra Kumar and others filed a public interest litigation (PIL) questioning the state’s decision to allow heavy machines for mining operations. According to the petitioners, this move has had serious consequences:

• The water level of the river is dropping, affecting irrigation for local farmers.
• Agricultural land is being damaged due to excessive mining.
• Local laborers, who earlier depended on manual mining, have lost their jobs.

The petitioners urged the court to ban heavy machinery, safeguard farmlands, and ensure employment opportunities for locals in mining operations.

The Government’s Justification: Why Machines?

During the court hearing, officials from the mining department defended the use of heavy machines, stating that:

• Monsoon rains bring large amounts of silt, gravel, and boulders that change the river’s course.
• Machines are needed to clear these deposits efficiently, ensuring the river flows smoothly.
• The government is closely monitoring mining activities to ensure they follow environmental guidelines.

The Bigger Picture: A Pattern of Displacement

This is not the first time mining policies have come under scrutiny in Uttarakhand. Many local communities in the state have raised concerns about how large-scale industrial activities disrupt traditional ways of living. While the government argues that mining boosts economic growth, affected communities claim that they are being sidelined in favor of big businesses.

What Happens Next?

With the April 3rd hearing approaching, all eyes are on the state government’s response. Will the court impose stricter regulations to protect the environment and local livelihoods, or will the government’s argument for using machines hold up?